A LEAD slipped from the grasp of Wilmslow Hockey Club’s men against second-placed Ben Rhydding in a cold north Yorkshire.

Ben Rhydding had only lost one game since a thrilling 4-4 draw at Wilmslow on the opening day of the season and eventually came out on top 2-1.

A well-worked long corner by Ben James enabled man-of-the-match Tom Davenport and Pete Hallinan to combine well in the circle for Sam Dawson to stoop in at the back post to give Wilmslow the lead.

More good work from Davenport led to Hallinan going round the keeper, who took out the Wilmslow striker with the goal at his mercy.

Both sides were expecting a flick to be awarded but only a short corner was given which Wilmslow couldn’t convert, with the Ben Rhydding keeper saving well.

Wilmslow continued to control the game but were dealt an unfortunate blow when the ball hit a defender high on the arm off a Ben Rhydding stick in the defensive circle, before the home side forced the ball over the line to level matters.

The second half began in the same fashion with Martin Wright and Robin Cooper moving the ball well at the back and picking accurate passes forwards, and with a strong press from the Wilmslow forwards, including debutant Will Townley, stifling Ben Rhydding attacks at source.

As the second half wore on Wilmslow absorbed increased pressure from Ben Rhydding until a short corner could only be stopped by Wright’s kneecap on the line. Si Pickering dived low to his right to keep out the flick and keep the scores level.Wilmslow kept the Yorkshiremen at arm’s length and countered with speed, but Ben Rhydding took the lead through a short corner routine with only 15 minutes left.

Wilmslow kept pressing but were unable to make another breakthrough.

Although a 2-1 loss was not the desired result, Wilmslow produced one of their best performances of the season in the circumstances and will look to continue their good form this weekend with the visit of Leeds and a trip to Newcastle.

Wilmslow men’s seconds had a comfortable 6-0 win against Liverpudlian visitors, Mossley Hill.

The thirds beat Bangor University’s seconds to go eight points clear at the top of the table, and the fourths had a 10-0 romp against a youthful Didsbury Northern side.