14th Mar 2020 Mens 5th v Halifax 3(Away) 2 - 5 loss
This was always going to be a tough fixture, made even more so by the lack of any of the teams regular defenders. The makeshift defence of Clark, Harlen, Tilbrook and the excellent Jonny Wood came under immediate pressure from Halifax’s fast forward line, who duly scored two quick goals, as the 5ths made their usual slow start. Fortunes seem to turn when a flowing forward move resulted in a short corner from which Tilbrook scored from a clean strike at the top of the D. However, Halifax continued to dominate the first half adding three more goals despite some smart saves from keeper Josiah Wood. Rhydding did though manage a second goal courtesy of stand-in captain Dawson.
Following the established pattern of the season, Rhydding played much better in the second half as the midfield, led by the ever industrious Wood, gained more control. In particular the young midfielders Midgeley and Clark (now playing in a more accustomed position) grew in confidence and used their pace to good effect. The second half produced no further goals, despite several promising attacks, but was not without incident. The most bizarre being when the umpire appeared to show Tindall a green card, before rescinding it moments later, presumably after being overruled by VAR.
Once again Rhydding played well in a losing cause - but will probably need points from the final two games to avoid relegation. Following a rigourous democratic process man of the match was awarded to Jonathan Wood for his sterling efforts in defence, and DOTD to Tindall for his green card that wasn’t.