Whitley Bay 2 Ben Rhydding 0

Last season Ben Rhydding scored goals for fun as they romped to the North Premier League title.

They netted over 100 and ended the season with a goal difference of 100, but since winning promotion to the National North Conference their goal touch has really deserted them.

It is now three games since they scored a goal and as they take a break from action this weekend they will no doubt by focussing a lot of their attention on ending the drought.

The lack of a killer finish meant that much of their good work went unrewarded.

They produced a spirited performance and got their tactics spot-on for most of the first half.

They protected the dang- erous areas in numbers and pressed their opposition hard.

When in possession of the ball, the team moved well into space and passed with confidence and purpose.

The game plan was executed perfectly and prevented Whitley Bay from mounting any meaningful attacks.

The Ilkley side’s forwards created numerous attacks and had the home defence at sixes and sevens for the first 25 minutes.

Rhydding earned them- selves several penalty corners through great attacking play by Amy Wilson down the left and Jess Purvis on the right but did not capitalise on it.

Rhydding’s corner routines did not look as crisp as in previous weeks and the chances were wasted. Whitley Bay on the other hand managed to convert their penalty corner chance with a deft deflection into the top corner, as they took the lead just before half-time.

Rhydding struggled to keep up the high level of work rate and intensity they achieved in the first half.

Whitley Bay began to apply more pressure and pushed Rhydding further back into their own half.

Fran Holmes-Brown and Sophie Atkinson in defence managed to hold off the Whitley Bay forwards with some perfectly-timed tackles but as time went on the home side created more and more chances and Rhydding dropped deeper.

Holly Crank in goal pulled off some amazing saves but was unable to stop another perfect penalty corner.

Rhydding fought hard to get back into the match to recreate the dominance they had in the first half but they were unable to get forward in numbers often enough and again failed to convert their last two penalty corners.

Despite the lack of points and goals Rhydding’s team spirit remains high. Their next match is away at leaders Beeston on Saturday week.