Wakefield 2 Ben Rhydding 1

Newly-promoted Ben Rhydding are still without a National League Conference North point after losing a close game.

The Ilkley side got off to a very positive start forcing Wakefield's defence to panic under pressure.

Jess Purvis and Rebecca Dallas in midfield ran amok for the first ten minutes threading numerous balls through for forwards Rachel Doherty and Wilson.

Ben Rhydding’s hard work was rewarded with a penalty corner which was narrowly missed by a blistering Rachelle Le Bourdon strike.

Captain Bridger was masterful in her control of the middle and distributed the ball with confidence to her team mates.

Gradually Wakefield found more possession and began to apply pressure back on Rhydding. The home side won a penalty corner just before half-time and unlike the visitors, they managed to convert their chance and grabbed the lead.

Rhydding were still feeling confident despite trailing and started the second half well after a rousing talk from coach James Ross.

It wasn’t long before they won a penalty corner by Doherty by driving from wide into the D and drawing a foul.

Dallas’s spectacular drag flick rocketed into the top corner leaving the Wakefield goalie no chance.

The remainder of the game was full of end to end chances, but the Rhydding's defensive line of Rebecca Fox, Fran Holmes-Brown and Helen Fisher stood firm, backed up with a string of fantastic saves from Holly Crank.

Wakefield finally got their second goal from another penalty corner with five minutes left.

Dallas came close  to another equaliser for Rhydding in the final seconds of the match with another drag flick. The ball hit the defenders shoulder on the line preventing a goal.

Despite appeals from the Rhydding team for a penalty the umpire signalled play on and the opportunity was gone. They take on Cannock at home on Saturday 1.30pm.