Ben Rhydding 3 v Chesterfield 2

Chesterfield 2s claimed a vital point, after securing a 1-1 draw away in Ilkley against Ben Rhydding 3s. Man of the match, Ewan Wrigley, scored an equaliser for Chesterfield late in the second half which proved just enough in the end to secure the draw.

After a wet and miserable drive and then warm up on the pitch, neither side looked up for it as the rain continued as the game started. The first half went mostly in Ben Rhydding's favour. They held the majority of possesion and territory but the Chesterfield defence felt comfortable dealing with what was in front of them. Chesterfield's approach was "harum-scarum", trying to go forward as quickly and directly as possible, however this was easily swept up by the Rhydding defence too. Keeper, Regan Morton, made vital saves, but in truth wasn't stretched by the Rhydding attack. Chesterfield started to pass the ball more, and created two great chances in the first half. First, Cowley deflected just past the post after Montford crossed. Then Nixon also went close, again from a Montford cross but couldn't direct it goalward. Then sparks flew as one of Rhydding's forwards, incensed at the (home) umpires decisions, let his feelings be known. A final warning from the umpire followed and then the teams broke for half time.

Chesterfield were much the happier side at half time, and were looking for more of the same, perhaps with a bit more composure on the ball.
Rhydding were going to come out stronger, as they will have felt they could have done better.

As the second half started, Cowley and Drohan dropped into central midfield, and Chesterfield 2s were able to soak up much of the Rhydding pressure. Although this restricted Rhydding's attacks, it also meant Chesterfield's attacks were alot less frequent and reduced to quick breaks only.

Chesterfield scored their only goal of the game in the second half through Ewan Wrigley. Wrigley neatly flicked the ball past the diving Rhydding keeper to finish off a move started inside Chesterfield's own half. With Rhydding pressing high, Steve Lord sensed an opportunity and caused chaos in the opponents defence with an aerial ball over the top. Cutting out the Rhydding midfield, the ball dropped in the 22, leaving Rob Smalley one on one against the goalkeeper. The keeper saved well but ultimately the ball fell to Wrigley who finished and put Chesterfield into the driving seat.

Rhydding became more desperate for a goal, appealing decisions and arguing with players as they pushed for the equaliser. Then a flashpoint came mid way through the second half as Rhydding almost scored from a penalty corner. Their shot was stopped by Tugby's stick, then deflected onto his leg outside the post. Appeals for a penalty flick were dismissed, as both umpires deliberated over the decision, but ultimately the chance had gone and Chesterfield were off the hook.

Ben Rhydding did eventually score an equaliser through a well taken short corner, and then pushed feverishly for the final period.

Both teams had to leave the pitch with 8 minutes remaining as the heavens opened and hailstones fell, but so did visibility. After a brief respite from the weather, the teams played out the final minutes but no further goals were scored. Rhydding were frustrated and Chesterfield secured a vital point in their battle to avoid the drop.

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