28th Nov 2009 Bradford 2nd*(Away) 3 - 1 win
HALL A, BLACKBURN P (1), DAWSON R, KEATING G, ROUGHTON J, WOODHEAD A, TIMPERLEY S (1), BROOK R, DAWSON R, HOLMES J, WRIGHT D (1), ELSWORTH D, DAY G, WOODHEAD N, WILSTROP D, SUTHERLAND A **MOTM** ,
Bradford 2nd's vs Ben Rhydding 5th's
Result 1-3 win
Ben Rhydding earned a well derserved win after starting with confidence. They kept the same formation as last week playing some strong passing and good hockey to soundly beat Bradford. It proved to be a rather physical encounter as expected for an opposition team much higher in the league. Their play did not reflect their position as Rhydding pressure dominated much of the early game resulting with a goal which Blackburn swept in at the far post following a short corner and a stick deflection.
Rhydding continued to press but a lapse of concentration saw Bradford equalise with a scrappy goal after the ball fell favourably to the striker between three tackles in a row and really should have been prevented.
Otherwise, both Woodheads and particular Nick (5th team debut) at right back were resolute survivng some 'crunch' 'wrestling' type tackles.
Half time 1-1 rhydding realised the game was available to win but more work was needed. The midfield again rose to the task and were excellent with Wright (left mid), Brook, Sutherland and Holmes (right mid) providing a constant threat to support Stephen Timperley (5th team debut) and Richard Dawson playing strikers in Wilstrop's abscence. Brook's speed and Ray Dawson's unusal but effective style (umpire!...you can't do that..but he can and did) set up many superb Wright dribbles to cause the Bradford defence serious problems.
The stirkers switched positions in the second half and Rhydding were passing quicker and more accurately. A left hand move by Wright allowed Dawson to take the ball wide and cut in to the D with a superb pass to Timperley running into the D and score across the goal coast to coast in the same spot as before 1-2.
Whilst trying to play determined hockey, after the third goal Bradford's attitude got the better of them with green and subsequently yellow cards being produced for sumo style climbing/pushing and arguing after several warnings.
The game opened up towards the end, Rhydding keeping their shape with a stream of attacks down both wings. Several short corners again produced nothing but move combining Roughton and the excellent George Day (left back) to Ray Dawson earned a side line ball deep in the Bradford half. Richard Dawson self passed and Wright called at the edge of the D. He duly turned sweetly to dummy the defender and stepped around to fire the ball home...in the same spot 1-3. job done.
Andrew Sutherland who battled hard at inside right getting into solid positions, tackling back and using early ball opportunties was elected Man of the Match. Wright so often the creator on the left again with Day finishing very close
