Slazenger 3rds never recovered from a slow start which saw them concede three early goals as they lost 6-3 at Ben Rhydding 4ths in the Yorkshire League.
Three wins in four games had lifted Slazenger away from trouble near the foot of Division Five but they were not helped by two of their players going to the wrong venue and only arriving moments before kick-off.
The hosts were 3-0 up inside about 20 minutes before Claire Dunstan continued her recent scoring spree by pulling one back after a solo run.
Unfortunately for Slazenger, the comeback was shortlived as Ben Rhydding restored their three-goal cushion before the interval. Seventh-placed Slazenger were much better in the second half against a side just one place above them and Linda Stacey set up Dunstan for her second goal, only for the home side to reply again to make it 5-2.
Stacey pulled it back to 5-3 with a shot from a narrow angle that took a deflection into the net but Ben Rhydding had the final say to end the day’s scoring. Three players shared the man of the match voting for Slazenger – midfield duo Stacey and Frankie Tyrell and defender Sarah Ritchey for some excellent tackles in defence.
