BEN Rhydding Women went in to the weekend's fixture with Swansea with full confidence, following a win last weekend and a positive week of preparation.
The home team soaked up some early pressure from Swansea, but the early threat was nullified by an organised Rhydding defence. Half way in to the first quarter, Rhydding took control of the ball and with it, took control of the game. Rhydding’s defence and midfield lines connected to build long phases of possession, and the deadlock was soon broken by captain Sophie Davies. Davies started the move, picking the ball up in central midfield and sprayed the ball wide to Kirsty Goodbold. Goodbold combined with Jess Triffit, who then found Davies in the D to strike first time under the keeper’s pads.
Rhydding thought they had scored a second, when Bex Birch’s backhand shot found the roof of the net. The umpire saw a foul in the build up and disallowed the quality finish.
The second goal finally came, when Birch scrambled the ball home to get her first goal of the day. Rhydding took their foot off the gas for a couple of minutes in the second quarter. A goal line save from Kirsty Goodbold held the visitors at bay, but this was only temporary as Swansea broke through to score minutes after.
Rhydding had a competitive game on their hands! Remaining calm and composed, the team continued to stick to their game plan. Tireless work from Beth Cordukes continued to break Swansea lines, and the two-goal lead was restored by Birch at a penalty corner just before half-time.
A professional performance in the second half meant that Goalkeeper Charlotte Smith didn’t touch the ball. Birch wrapped up the scoring and her first ever hat trick for the club in the final quarter.
The three points takes them off the bottom of the league and gives further momentum in to Saturday’s local derby against Leeds HC, 1.30pm start.
Ben Rhydding Men 2 Sheffield Hallam 0
There was also a huge victory for Ben Rhydding Men to take them to 4th in the National Conference League with a strong, disciplined performance and yet another clean sheet for Ed Snelling who was simply spectacular in goal.
Both teams played composed and cagey hockey in the first quarter, keeping the ball when they had it and denying penetration when they didn’t. Rhydding began to show more confidence in the second quarter and pushed harder. Will Musgrave put his team ahead, expertly converting a penalty stroke and lifting the spirits of the home side.
Rhydding looked more convincing in the second half and with the creative genius of Mark Portnell and the undeniable quality of David Birch, things began to happen up front. A solid debut for Mark Horsman saw him do so much more than the job asked of him.
Will Jones taking up the Full Back role had a sparkling game to fill the almighty shoes of injured, Neil Sugden and this all helped settle Rhydding into some delightful passages of play. Great advantage played by the umpire let a saved corner fall loose and George Gamble, with lightning reactions smashed the ball past the keeper to give Rhydding a 2 -0 lead. Some absolute warrior defending was on show as the final flurry of corners for Hallam remained fruitless and Rhydding finished as valiant victors.
Coach Demy Dowley commented: "The squad have risen from the depths of despair after last week’s blow and put the process on the pitch with precision and passion. I could not be prouder of such a brave and relentless bunch of warriors."
The men will be at home on Sunday against Leeds at 2pm
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