7th Mar 2020 Mens 2nd v Halifax 1(Away) 2 - 2 draw
It was another must win game for Rhydding 2’s and as per current trends luck was firmly against the 2’s promotion battle.
Rhydding’s early line up looked strong, but come game-day illness and injury had run rife through the squad removing Terry, Appleby & Ryan, from the sheet. Powell having also been ill all week and still under a fever-induced head fog turned up minus all the major apparatus required to actually play hockey. After a quick scavenger hunt Powell rolled out with Ibison's spare stick, Horsman's spare glove (that smelt like it could sedate a horse!), coach Butch's trainers and the lung capacity of 90yr old chain smoker.
Rhydding stepped up to the plate and started the game well, intercepting the ball in the centre and pushing through for a breakaway attempt but the shot was wayward. Momentum began to break down shortly after as Halifax's usual style began to shine through. Numerous elbows, shoves and tackles repeatedly flying through the back of Rhydding players went unpunished. This agricultural play unsettled Rhydding allowing a turnover which led to Halifax bundling their way into the D and slotting a shot into the bottom right corner.
Rhydding stepped up to this by adapting their play. Bradley, Matthews and Foster protected the ball well and opened up Hagen, Tiffany and Walsh to utilise the space for some quick counter attacks. It wasn’t long before the ball was passed out to Maddaford on the right and down to Tiffany who attacked the baseline> He unleashed a strong scuff of a shot from a tight angle that fizzed under the keepers foot and into the back of the net for 1-1.
Strong defensive work by the returning Horsman, marshalling by Ibison and doggedness by Powell (keen to protect bare shins) picked off the wingers and through balls. Benedikz cleaned up the rest to keep the remaining attacks at bay. Rhydding forwards kept pushing on with support from midfield and strong legwork from Maddaford pushing down the right. Eventually they forced a number of short corners, the second of which was rifled into the bottom corner by Foster. 2-1
The game was in Rhydding's hands and Halifax, even with the numerical advantage, where waning, Rhydding kept pushing and breaking free from the Halifax press. However, further great saves by the Halifax keeper kept out the barrage of shots from Tiffany, Hagen and MoM Walsh. Late into the second half Halifax won a short. The shot was a slow deceiving flick. Powell, having stopped the previous attempt, got a touch unfortunately tipped it perfectly over the committed Benedikz and into the net.
It was a disappointing draw for the 11 men as all showed great commitment and work rate for the whole game. Promotion is still attainable (just) but every game must be won and an 8 goal cushion must be closed on York whom we must beat on the 28th.