Airedale II 1 Ben Rhydding VI 1

WITH only 10 players, Airedale Ladies Hockey Club began the match on the back foot.

Ben Rhydding took advantage of this and mounted pressure on the defence. Vital saves from goalkeeper Lindsey Carey prevented a heavy defeat.

Literally throwing herself in the path of dangerous balls, defender Claire Spiller secured the goalline.

Emma Peel was courageous in defence, pushing up the left-wing, working well with Kitty Blake who caused concern for the Ben Rhydding defence on the left.

Ruth Butler held the central midfield and offered accurate passes, while tracking back to support the defence.

Ben Rhydding eventually broke the defence down to take the lead.

As Ben Rhydding continued to attack, Airedale’s solid defence earned a 16-yard hit out.

Spiller smashed a sensational ball into the path of Adele Haughey who drove the ball into the D and coolly slotted it past the oncoming goalkeeper to earn the equaliser.

Airedale maintained a defensive strength in the second half and also had several opportunities to push into attack.

Captain Fern Godfrey tied the Ben Rhydding midfield in knots as she wove through them with her interesting stick skills.

Alex Fryer made some inspired runs on the right-wing and channelled opportunities through to Beth Cook, who made excellent space and troubled her marker.

The late arrival of Sarah Marsh gave a helpful boost to Airedale’s tired legs and for the last 15 minutes of the game Airedale attacked relentlessly to hold the match to a well-deserved draw.

Meanwhile, Airedale are holding free training sessions for people or families who are interested in trying out hockey. These sessions are held between 7pm and 9pm on Thursdays for adults and 6pm to 7.30pm for families. Equipment is provided and this is at Titus Salts School, Baildon.