Chester 2, Ben Rhydding Ladies 4

Runaway championship leaders Ben Rhydding were well below par at Chester and were relieved to emerge from the match with three more Women's North Premier League points.

After a series of crushing victories this was a reality check for the the Ilkley side who are already within touching distance of the title.

The match began at an intense level as Rhydding furiously pressed the Chester back line.

The home side managed to retain possession well in the opening few minutes by quickly switching the ball in defence from side to side.

But this did not last long as Jess Purvis made an important interception on the left of midfield.

Eleanor Trafford followed this up with a quick ball down the line to forward Rachel Doherty who picked up the pass and opened the scoring by dribbling round the keeper and slipping the ball over the goal line.

Doherty added her second from a driving run by Amy Wilson.

Ben Rhydding continued to push hard but Chester’s tactic of sitting back and putting most of their team behind the ball began to frustrate the visitors.

They struggled to find their usual composure on the ball and repeatedly gave away possession.

They did however extend their lead when Trafford played through a perfect pass to Jo Ellis who had found some space. She calmly slipped the ball through the approaching keeper’s legs.

Shortly before half-time Chester hit back. Their centre forward latched onto a stray ball out of defence and wasted no time in dispatching a thumping shot into the corner of the Rhydding net.

The second half started with the two sides exchanging opportunities.

Emma Thornbury and Wilson went close on several occasions.

Rhydding finally added their fourth goal when Jess Purvis skillfully dribble into the D and won a well-deserved penalty corner.

This was converted by a far post deflection by Doherty for her hat trick.

Despite a string of excellent saves by Rhydding keeper Holly Crank, Chester managed a consolation goal five minutes from time.

Midfielder Sarah Clarke earned the player of the match award, for getting herself involved in everything.

It was definitely not Rhydding best performance but they were happy to come away three more points to keep them 12 points clear at the top.

They are at home to second-placed Wigton at 1.30pm this Saturday looking to extend their ten-match winning run.