Ben Rhydding 3 Formby 2

BEN Rhydding claimed a huge three points on Saturday, taking a big scalp in Formby who were lying second in the North Men's Premier League.

The Lancashire club were willing to travel to Ben Rhydding knowing that the pitch may not have thawed sufficiently for the game to be played and the umpires left it until the last minute to declare it fit.

Both teams were unsettled by the uncertainty and it was a real test of conviction as to who could focus the quickest.

The game was gridlocked for 25 minutes with both sides having good circle entries without product.

Rhydding defended well against a Formby corner, then gained a corner and delivered a stunning finish courtesy of Will Musgrave.

The genius of George Gamble for goal number two was something to behold. Carrying in his mazy style into the circle, he showed had the perception to see an opportunity and slotted the ball past the keeper who was expecting something else. Formby sat up and on the stroke of half-time scored a bewildering deflection to stay in the battle.

Rhydding came out well in the second half, interchanging smoothly across the back five players and began to show some real class.

A corner routine broke down but Will Tench showed technical expertise in taking one quick touch to volley the ball into the net to give Rhydding a 3-1 lead.

Minutes later Formby gained a corner and slotted it to claw their way back into contention again. The last ten minutes of the game was an outstanding exhibition of disciplined and composed defending as Rhydding showed admirable grit to see the game out and keep the win.

The result confirmed yet more progress from this team as they grow in stature from week to week and with some sparkling performances from many individuals.