Ben Rhydding 1 Formby 1

BEN Rhydding produced a battling performance to secure an away point which has helped to drag them out of relegation trouble.

They moved up to tenth position and their form over the last three matches has strengthened the belief that they can preserve their Premier League status.

Ben Rhydding’s defence and goalkeeper Will Rutter presented a united and disciplined front, which Formby found too hard to crack despite the best efforts of England under-21 international Nick Giles.

Rhydding’s phases of possession were high quality, hard work from the forwards provided important passing lanes and midfield play was selfless throughout.

Formby had twice the circle entries of Rhydding in the first half but the visitors valiantly denied them.

After a goalless first half it was clear there would be a tense start after the break.

Formby worked hard to win corners and took the lead.

They executed a penalty-corner routine that has to be far beyond anything this league will see – an immaculate spin and drop for a close-range drag flick which was impossible to defend against.

Rhydding did not wilt and looked even more fiery, stepping up the battle and changing gear.

The distances covered by Ross McMillan and Danny Foster meant that the fluid shape of Rhydding kept Formby busy and opened up spaces for Robert Ramsden and Elliot Dowley to rip the midfield apart.

The equaliser came after a period of patient work. Will Musgrave put the ball into the circle and many sticks reached for it. Andrew Lorimer’s got the merest of touches as it passed the keeper.

A win was on the cards for Rhydding for a while as they took the upper hand. Foster drew a full-stretch leap from the keeper as he deflected the ball in a great attempt.

A last-minute corner for Formby was charged down courageously by Myles Locke and the counter-attack was only thwarted by the final whistle.

Rhydding look as though all their hard work is now falling into place and the different processes are joining up.

With Whitley Bay at home on Saturday, there is the opportunity to take points off the third-placed team and secure their survival.