Doncaster 1 Ben Rhydding 2

Ben Rhydding Ladies’ first win of the season gave them the perfect start to 2013 as they lifted themselves off the bottom of the table for the first time this campaign.

Rhydding’s 2-1 win over Yorkshire rivals, and fellow strugglers, Doncaster will give them a much needed confidence boost as they seek to stay in the division following their promotion last year.

Captain Jodie Bridger said: “It was a good game and a good performance.

“The result reflects the solid effort we’ve put in over the last few weeks. The coaches were really pleased with the way we came together in the second half and stuck to our game plan.

“It’s a massive boost for us going forward, we’ve got our game faces on now and we just can’t wait for our next game against Wakefield.

“I think for the first time this season the result has reflected our performance,” said Bridger.

Ben Rhydding could jump to seventh if they win on Saturday and other results go their way.

Bridger is confident about the remainder of the season, saying: “We’re not putting ourselves under any pressure. We’ve got nothing to lose and that’s the way we’re approaching each game.”

Rhydding trained hard during their long break to keep their fitness up and it paid off.

They started the game brightly playing with pace and purpose.

Some quick passing opened up big gaps in the Doncaster defence and after just ten minutess forward Kate Hesketh ran on to a perfectly-timed pass from Jess Purvis and deftly lifted the ball over the oncoming keeper.

Five minutes later another quick pass from midfield by Sarah Bell found Eleanor Trafford on the edge of the D. She drove towards goal and hit a blistering strike into the corner of the net.

Doncaster improved their work-rate and movement off the ball in the second half.

Rhydding had to work hard to keep possession of the ball and began to panic slightly.

The home side pulled one goal back when confusion at the back led to a loose ball in the D.

Doncaster managed to get a stick on it and the ball bobbled over the goal line.

They came close to a second goal but the experienced defence of Rachelle Le Bourdon and Rebecca Fox helped steady the Rhydding ship.

New Dutch goalkeeper Jo Carpay also had to make a few crucial saves to prevent Doncaster from equalising.

Five minutes from time England u-21 striker Abbey Brant saw her spectacular reverse stick