Ben Rhydding 0 Loughborough Students 4

Ben Rhydding are still searching for their first league win after receiving another lesson from their young opponents about the demands of playing in the National Confernece North,

The hosts looked nervous and a bit shell-shocked as the pacy young Loughborough side took control.

For most of the first half Rhydding struggled to match the opposition’s pace on and off the ball.

The Ilkley side found themselves 3-0 down at half-time.

The nearest they came to scoring was when Kate Hesketh shot narrowly wide.

After a positive team talk it was a different Ben Rhydding side which started the second half.

They were more organised and began to move the ball quickly as they mounted a series of attacks.

Suddenly Loughborough had a game on their hands as Ben Rhydding demonstrated why they had earned promotion.

They threatened the visitors’ goal on several occasions, both Jess Purvis and Rachel Doherty unlucky not to get themselves on the scoresheet.

The defensive unit of Taylor, Fox and Fish with Holly Crank in goal did a great job and kept the Loughborough forwards under control.

Captain Jodie Bridger and Rachelle le Bourdon in central midfield prevented GB Olympian Laura Uns- worth from showing her international quality.

Loughborough managed to add a fourth goal against the run of play but Ben Rhydding can be proud of their second-half performance.

The National Conference League is a step up from last year’s North League and Rhydding will no doubt have a few more harsh lessons before the season is out.

They are away the Whitley Bay this Saturday.