7th Mar 2020 Mens 5th v Airedale 2(Home) 1 - 0 win
Having failed to pick up any points from the matches against Thirsk (sorry I failed to prepare a match report last week), the Airedale fixture was seen as another match the 5ths would have a good chance of winning. However from the first whistle, Airedale took the initiative and for long periods were camped in the Ben Rhydding half. How the did not score was a mystery, shots missed narrowly and Warwick Smither making several crucial saves.
During the second half Ben Rhydding slowly got into the game. Great defensive work in midfield from Tilbook, Wood and Harlen, with Brumfitt and Alexander providing the links up to the forward line. Henry Nightingale in his first match for the 5ths, David Tindall returning to the team after a long time, and Richard Brook began to create a chances. Finally the goal came, and it was George Alexander who knocked the ball over the line.
Now a frantic final 5 minutes as Airedale looked for an equaliser, the spectator numbers had been swelled by Warwick's fan club from the 1st team, who continued to be entertained by his saves. Together with the back line of Jackson, Roughton and Habin (Blackburn had long departed with a hamstring injury), Ben Rhydding held out.for a great result.
There were plenty of candidates for man of the match, but was awarded to Warwick.
It is all pretty close at the bottom of the league, and Ben Rhydding will probably need a few more points from their remaining fixtures, starting with Halifax away next week.