ON Sunday Ben Rhydding Men’s welcomed Beeston with whom they had two close encounters last season.
The team had shown glimpses of quality in the previous two victories against Brooklands and Belper, but Sunday’s performance against Beeston was more complete.
Goals came courtesy of a penalty flick from Will Musgrave, a solo effort from newcomer Jes Notay and another well worked effort from Mark Portnell to put the hosts 3-0 up at the break.
Beeston pulled one back in the second half, but in the final minutes of the contest, Gamble opened up the Beeston defence with a through ball to Notay, who delivered a pass to Musgrave for a well-taken second goal. 4-1 at full-time.
Coach, David Birch, was extremely pleased with the performance while commenting that there were some phases of the performance that will need to be tightened up.
On Saturday the Women played Olton & West Warwicks and came out 3-2 winners.
Ben Rhydding started the game with high intensity, passing the ball well and applying aggressive pressure on the Olton back line. Sophie Davies played a quick free hit through to Riley Taylor on the top of the D who played a first-time ball through to Amy Booth who scored a diving deflection for her first National League goal with Ben Rhydding.
A composed back line transferring the ball and supporting players joining in attack allowed Ben Rhydding to continue to apply the pressure to Olton all over the pitch. With outstanding marking from the women of the match, Millie Jeavons keeping Olton opportunities to a minimum.
A composed back line continued to transfer the ball well and got high to support the attack putting pressure on Olton, all over the pitch. Olton played route one hockey looking to connect high up the pitch, however, outstanding marking from player of the match Millie Jeavons kept Olton opportunities to a minimum.
A second goal came from a high press and “hit and hope” ball from Olton. Davies picked the pocket of the Olton captain to collect the ball in the midline and release to Booth for some composed passing in front of goal to allow Rebecca Birch to shoot home. A third goal followed with a successful repeat of pressure on the press allowing a one touch pass to a young, speedy Flo to drive around the keeper, showing unreal composure for her first national league goal.
With time on Ben Rhyddings side, a lapse in concentration saw Olton score two quick goals. However, Ben Rhydding defended gallantly with several key tackles and goal line saves. Nerves were tested as Olton got a short corner on the final whistle; however it was Ben Rhydding who kept their cool and watched in relief as Olton failed to trap the ball top D and Rhydding had their first win of the season.
They welcome Sturport in two days’ time (1:30pm), while on Sunday the Men play newly promoted Lindum at 2pm.
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