Ben Rhydding 1 Brooklands Poynton 3

Ben Rhydding battled bravely against the visitors from Manchester, but again they were unable to turn the performance into points.

The home side competed well throughout the first half matching the visitors’ for pace and scoring chances.

Rachelle le Bourdon and Jodie Bridger worked tirelessly in deep midfield to turn over possession.

Sarah Bell also linked up well with the wide players to get the ball forward to put the Brooklands defence under pressure.

Rhydding went close to opening the scoring several times but strikers Kate Hesketh and Rachel Doherty could not manage to find the net.

After some end to end play the game was goalless by half-time.

Rhydding started the second half strongly and made sure Brooklands did not have any time on the ball.

Gradually the experience of the Manchester side took its toll on Rhydding. who are still looking for their first win.

They switched the play with purpose and pace and had the home side chasing the ball from side to side.

Tired legs midway through the half caused a few defensive errors and a string of penalty corners were conceded.

Within a ten minute spell, after two-expertly executed routines, Rhydding found themselves 2-0 down.

They continued to fight though with Rebecca Dallas and new acquisition Sarah Johns creating a couple of penalty corners for the home side.

Rhydding failed to convert their chances though and Brooklands were hungry for a third goal.

Despite some stoic defending from Fran Holmes-Brown some impressive goalkeeping from Holly Crank, Brooklands extended their lead.

Striker Doherty finally broke her duck for the season and jumped on a loose ball in the D to smash the ball into the net for a consolation goal in the last minute.

Rhydding host Durham University on Saturday in their last league game until after the Christmas and New Year holidays.