21st Nov 2009 Chapeltown 3rd*(Home) 1 - 3 loss
BLACKBURN P, DAWSON R (1), HATTON T, ROUGHTON J, BROOK R, JACKSON M, HOLMES J, WRIGHT D[G] **MOTM** , BLACKBURN B, ELSWORTH D, GAMBLE G, WILSTROP D[G], SUTHERLAND A,
ben Ryhdding 5th vs Chapletown 3rd's
Result lost1-3
With a changed side Ben Rhydding altered tactics and drafted in Hatton to play at centre back in place of Robert Jackson. 4-4-2 with Holmes and Wright right and left mids proved an effective strategy. Early attacks down the right put Rhydding in control against a well organised opposition and Wright created several chances with silky control and penertation without giving the ball away on the left
Holmes, Sutherland with Gamble returning to the side in an awesome display of control and agility linked well to give Dawson a reverse stick finish at the near post which the keeper didn't see 1-0. Rhydding defended the lead until 10mins later after Elsworth had parried and the ball was swept in at the far post. Elsworth made some super saves from various short corners keeping Rhydding in the game. Wilstrop and Dawson worked hard up front to give depth and outlets to the midfield and Roughton, playing well shpt past the post from a short corner. Brook man marked the whole game in centre which restricted Chapletown to the way Rhydding wanted to pley on the fast break.
After half time the two sides were equal however the opposition came close with strong crosses acorss the D unable to be turned in.
Phil Blackburn, fired up, duly came on and showed some rare right half skills (after being unable to retrieve his stick from a locked car) feeding the forwards and creating chances. However one or two weak passes and giving the ball way meant Chapletown scored from a deflected short corner mid way in the second half 1-2. Ryhdding battled but went behind 1-3 shortly after with a soft goal but kept going with some determined play, passing and stick skills.
Rhydding were worth a draw in a formation that everyone felt worked better, was more flexible and cerated better play.
Man of the Match: Dominic Wright
