Ben Rhydding 3 Lancaster & Morecambe 7

A COMPLACENT Ben Rhydding side took the field on Saturday and were punished by their underestimated North One opposition.

Missing their key full back and with their goalkeeper carrying an injury, Rhydding looked shaky against a fast and furious team that simply looked more hungry.

The home side seemed stunned when they went 3-0 down. Clawing back to 3-2 courtesy of Matty Bairstow before half time, it seemed as though they were back in the game but Morecambe came out fighting.

The visitors put an early goal away to set their lead at 4-2 for Rhydding to chase again. Outstanding midfield play from Rhydding showed intensity and purpose but the back line really struggled.

Morecambe pushed to 6-2 taking advantage of slack marking in a counter attack that showed really good connections and opened Rhydding right up.

Despite a good reply to make it 6-3 with a beautiful ball in for Musgrave from Elliot Dowley, Rhydding looked flat. A corner well delivered by Morecambe gave them a 7-3 lead and the game was over for Rhydding.

This was unexpected and very disappointing for Ben Rhydding but some key lessons will be learnt ahead of Saturday’s trip to Didsbury where they will have a massive point to prove.