8th Feb 2020 Mens 2nd v Sheffield Univ Bankers 4(Away) 3 - 1 win
Ben Rhydding’s 2nd team travelled to Sheffield for a meeting with Sheffield University Bankers 4th team as they continue their push for promotion.
Rhydding started quickly with Sturgeon making an instant impact putting the ball past the keeper with only 1 minute 18 seconds on the clock. It was end to end with Sheffield trying to get back into the game, counter attacking down the right hand side which was stopped abruptly when Powell made what he called a 50/50 challenge taking the Sheffield player out and receiving the first of a quick succession of green cards for Rhydding, with Foster talking himself into a green card shortly after. Maddaford and Murgatroyd were introduced with Murgatroyd’s appearance being a short one as he was given the third green card of the game within less than 30 seconds of being on the pitch and barely making it to the far side before being returned to the side-line.
Rhydding continued to attack creating lots of chances but failing to finish them with a goal. Rhydding finally broke through the Sheffield defence with a short corner played short to Bradley who played the ball across the goal to be deflected into the goal by a waiting Sturgeon for his second goal of the game.
Sheffield started to create more chances towards the end of the first half creating some good opportunities but with no success and receiving a late green card for their attacking efforts. Rhydding went into the halftime break with a comfortable 2-0 lead.
Sheffield came out for the second half determined to get back into the game, even being a man down with the umpires forgetting to bring the 11th man back on. Sheffield continued to attack and finally broke through running down the by-line and squaring the ball across the D putting the ball past a helpless Hughes. Rhydding were shaken with Maddaford and Foster passing to the Sheffield centre forward but Ibison and Terry held strong at the back keeping the lead intact. Sheffield weren’t so lucky when they made the same mistake passing to Hagan who eased passed the defender and the goalkeeper slotting the ball into the bottom corner sealing the game for Rhydding.
The game ended 3-1 to Rhydding, who continue their push for promotion. Ben Rhydding 2nd team face a trip to Hull University 1st team who are also promotion candidates in a must win game for Rhydding.