Ben Rhydding 3 Durham University 1

BEN Rhydding scored three goals in five minutes to secure third place in the Investec Women’s National League Conference North.

Both sides had enjoyed similar starts to their seasons with Durham sitting just two point ahead of the home side.

The match tempo was set by the pacey Durham University forward and midfield lines, letting the Ben Rhydding defence know they were not only skilful, but hard to catch as well.

Some well-worked Durham short corners nearly saw them take an early lead, but captain Rachelle LeBourdon defended her post well, and cleared the ball to safety on more than one occasion.

Joint player of the match Jodie Bridger linked up well with Jo Ellis in the midfield and gave their full backs options for out-letting through reassuring runs and post ups.

There were no goals in the first half

Sarah Bell battling play at inside forward and the tireless and selfless running from the Ben Rhydding forwards Laura Smith and Kate Hesketh, won the home side a golden opportunity in the form of a short corner.

LeBourdon struck the ball from the top of the circle inch perfectly onto the waiting stick of Amy Cordukes and the ball rocketed into the bottom left corner.

Ben Rhydding found their momentum, and a goal rush ensued.A daring run down the baseline from Rachel Doherty left three Durham defenders for dead, freeing up Bridger in the centre of the circle. Doherty flicked her the ball and Bridger did fired the ball at back board height past the keeper’s right leg.

The third Rhydding goal was scored by Beth Cordukes, who, after finding herself in space and under pressure against the Durham keeper, coolly dragged the ball to her right and slotting the ball home into an empty net.

A flurry of cards followed shortly, including a green for Ben Rhydding’s Jen Wilson and a yellow for Durham’s Molly Rawnsley.

Anna Baker managed a consolation goal for the student side, but it was too little too late. The full-time whistle sounded, meaning Ben Rhydding leap-frogged over Durham in the table, securing third place for now.

Saturday sees Ben Rhydding take the short trip South down the M1 to face league giants Wakefield, who have taken five wins from five. Push back is 1.30pm at College Grove, Wakefield.