Hockey: Salford University Women’s Firsts 4 - 0 Rochdale Ladies

Roisin Pickering, Rochdale Ladies Hockey

Despite Rochdale Ladies travelling to Salford University for a Division Two Cup game with a strong line up, it was the university team that progressed to the next round.

Roisin Pickering, Becky Knowles and Dionne Collinson all returned to the Rochdale squad.

The game started quickly with Salford scoring minutes from the first push back, as they weaved in and out of the Rochdale defence before taking a shot and scoring.

Knowles made numerous runs for Rochdale taking the ball down the pitch, creating many opportunities to score however, with no one manning the back post there was no end result.

Salford kept a high tempo, keeping the ball moving at all times and making it difficult for Rochdale to defend, keeping them on the back foot.

A second Salford goal came from a very quick counter after a Rochdale attack.

Rochdale began to push forward looking for a goal before half time, but Salford once again caught them on the counter to go inot the half time break with a three goal lead.

Early on in the second half Becky Moon, playing in midfield for Rochdale, made a successful tackle gaining possession. The ball was quickly moved out wide to Collinson, who sent it up the wing to Pickering.

Driving the ball straight in to the D, Pickering found Knowles, who turned and had a shot on goal.

Saved by the Salford keeper, the ball fell to the floor and before Katie Burrell could strike, the Salford keeper fell on the ball.

Rochdale continued to push on, tracking the Salford players rather than going in for the tackle, as they were very quick to take the ball around Rochdale if the tackle was unsuccessful.

Adopting the tracking tactic meant it frustrated Salford, and they only managed to score one more goal in the second half. 

Captain Kie Leech said: "Gill 'The Machine' Knowles was very strong in defence even after getting hit with the ball early on in the game, she took it in her stride. Gemma Hodcroft battled hard in the middle using her stamina to tire the Salford players, but Roisin Pickering was outstanding  and fully deserved the player-of-the-match."