Hockey: Rochdale Ladies 5 - 1 Stockport Bramhall Ladies

Rochdale Ladies Hockey 5 v 1 Stockport Bramhall Ladies

Rochdale's win over Stockport Bramhall keeps the pressure on those around them - and Rochdale have a game in hand.

Going into the Saturday's game, Rochdale had not played a competitive fixture for over a month. So consequently had dropped into second place in the league two points off the top.

Rochdale had dispatched Stockport 6-0 on the opening day of the season but the enforced month lay off showed and they were slow out of the blocks and at times uncharacteristically panicking on the ball.

Stockport took full advantage and deservingly went ahead 1-0.

Rochdale regrouped and as the cobwebs faded began to look more like their usual selves.

Ashleigh Hoyle playing on the left wing, broke into the Stockport D and leveled the game.

This was quickly followed up by Becky Knowles doubling Rochdale’s lead after Jenny Banks unselfishly played her in for a simple tap in.

Rochdale were now in full stride and if it wasn’t for an outstanding display from the quartet in defence and an inspired Stockport goalkeeper, Rochdale could have gone in at the break four or five in front.

The half time break didn’t stop Rochdale’s momentum though and the second half saw them return to their natural quick passing game.

By now Stockport were finding it hard to stay with them and Hoyle went on to complete her hat-trick.

The day was rounded with with a Banks tap in at the back post.

The result means Rochdale stay second, but with that all important game in hand to be played after the winter break.

The player-of-the-match went to Kie Leech.

Captain Kie Leech: “We made it hard work for ourselves early on, and a special mention should go to Kate Brammer, Paula McDonald and Nikki Mongon who kept us in the game when we needed it most.

"We need to come back after Christmas and maintain the level we showed in the second half and keep the pressure on the teams around us.”