Ben Rhydding 4, City of Manchester 2

Ben Rhydding made it six wins from six matches with a convincing Men's North Division One victory over City of Manchester.

After a slow start, which resulted in a number of turnovers in midfield, Will Musgrave opened the scoring with his trademark reverse-stick shot past a stunned keeper in the fifth minute.

Rhydding added a second four minutes later when a well- rehearsed short corner was finished by Connor Dowley.

Danny Foster, Musgrave, Connor Franks, Elliot Dowley and the returning Harry Sherlock up front caused the visitors endless problems.

But for poor finishing in front of goal, the score could have been considerably more by half-time.

Manchester’s main attacking threat was a desperate long ball, which Dave Exley and Dowley dealt with comfortably, and on the one occasion Manchester did break through, Dave Carter was quickly off his line to deny the attacker a shot on goal.

The second half started as the first had ended, with the midfield of Rhydding controlling the game with Kieran Borrett, Josh Sykes, Callum Hodson and Alex White tirelessly running, creating chances for their forwards.

Tynan Cassidy and Harry Bush exploited the space on the flanks, and forced Manchester back into their own half.

After ten minutes of the half, Manchester got a goal back against the run of play, with their first real chance of the game after three or four Rhydding players failed to clear the ball.

Rhydding’s response was swift as within three minutes Musgrave had added to his tally, with another reverse-stick shot past a static keeper.

By now, Rhydding were dominant and the visitors were reduced to ten after one of many desperate stick-tackles was finally punished with a yellow card.

Musgrave rounded off his hat-trick with a drag flick from a short corner and, although Rhydding continued to create numerous chances, the Manchester goal led a charmed life.

Despite Manchester scoring a late second goal on the break, Rhydding can be pleased with a deserved 4-2 win, but will wonder how their tally did not reach double figures.

On Saturday, Sheffield Hallam visit Ben Rhydding Sports Centre at the regular time of 3pm.

Ben Rhydding’s women’s first team resume with a National North Conference match at Beeston in Nottinghamshire on Saturday (noon).