Hockey: Rochdale Ladies 5 - 1 Bolton Ladies

Ladies captain Dionne Collinson

Good weather brought good omens for Rochdale ladies as they set out against Bolton at home on Saturday 3 February.

After tough hassling in the first half the home team scored, Knowles’ lifted cross finding Yates’ reverse stick and into the goal.

Rochdale had countless opportunities driving up the right wing through Pickering and the midfield (McDonald, Hockaday and Hodcroft) which created an abundance of shots inside the D. Despite Bolton equalising at the end of the half, the second half saw Black score to boost Rochdale back into the winning position.

Both sides had many short corner opportunities which were tackled fiercely in attack and defence; Leech’s early intercepts damaging Bolton’s attacking front.

Following a cross from Collinson, Hodcroft’s shot on goal rebounded and the ball found itself in prime position for Burrell to bury it in the back of the net. Shortly after, Parton assisted Black to set Rochdale three goals clear of the opposition. Although the clock was ticking down, Rochdale’s stamina didn’t falter and a fifth and final goal was secured by Parton making the end result 5-1 to Rochdale Ladies.

Captain Collinson said: “What a game! Absolute class play. When Bolton turned up they thought they were in for an easy ride but we did not back down. Well done all! Proud is an understatement.”

Rochdale’s team:
Keeper; Samantha Partington
Defence; Dionne Collinson, Claire Hoyle, Kieran Leech & Hannah Palmer.
Midfield; Gemma Hodcroft, Claire Hockaday, Daisy Parton & Roisin Pickering.
Forwards; Arabella Yates & Katie Burrell. 
Substitutes: Lily Black, Becky Knowles & Claire Hockaday.