Ben Rhydding 3 Bowdon 2nds 3

BEN Rhydding men produced an exceptional home performance against a Bowdon team containing a number of their National League first team players as they continued their battle at the bottom end of the North Men's Premier League.

Rhydding played some of their best hockey to date both at the front and back of the pitch.

Immediately under pressure, Rhydding’s keeper was forced into action early on and made some impressive saves as they struggled to find their rhythm.

Harry Appleby gave a sparkling debut performance as full back and made a positive difference to the way that the team dealt with unpredictable counter attacks.

A sensational aerial ball from Connor Dowley, was collected by Struan Connor and floated to Phil McMorris resulted in a great goal as he smashed it home to open the scoring.

Bowdon replied almost immediately, gobbling up a gift of a chance from a careless error from Rhydding’s half back on outlet and scoring despite some remarkable agility from Chris McSherry in goal facing a 3 v 1 overload.

Rhydding made it 2-1 with a superb goal from skipper Will Musgrave from a corner after some impressive forward work from Connor and Max Helme.

Callum Franks was outstanding throughout and led the way in both defence and going forwards.

Rhydding came out confidently in the second half and scored with a beautiful deflection from Franks to give them a 3-1 lead but Bowdon were far from done.

A good drag flick from a corner brought them back to just a goal behind.

Rhydding defended valiantly and kept out a string of corners but eventually conceded one to allow Bowdon back to 3-3.

The final whistle blew as Bowdon were awarded a last corner. Matty Bairstow raced out like a bolt from a gun and got to the top of the circle and charged down Bowdon’s flick.

His actions ensured that Rhydding retained the draw and a precious point.

This Saturday Ben Rhydding are at home to lowly Chester.