Manchester University Thirds 5 - 0 Rochdale Ladies

Roisin Pickering and Jenny Banks led the charge for Rochdale Ladies Hockey

Rochdale Ladies lost to Manchester University Thirds in a top of the table clash on Saturday.

Rochdale needed either a win to be crowned champions or a draw in this game and a win in their last game next week.

Manchester needed to win all their remaining three games to take the top spot which Rochdale had held all season long.

The game started with both teams showing off their attacking potential and chances were to be had at both ends.

Rochdale were making progress, passing up and down the pitch but just couldn't break down Manchester University's strong defence.

Short, sharp passes was the order of the day but both teams were proving difficult to break down on the last third.

Manchester broke the deadlock early in the second half with a quick passing counter attack with of great skill.

Knowing they could not afford to lose, Rochdale began to commit players further up the field in an attempt to grab an equaliser. However, Manchester scored again.

Rochdale continued to battle hard but having played nine games in four weeks their fatigue began to show and Manchester capitalised and scored another three goals in quick succession.

Captain Kie Leech said: "This is a massive dent in our title hopes. It is now out of our hands. They [Manchester] do still need to play Didsbury Ladies twice which will not be easy games. We have had full belief in ourselves all year and will not give up until it is impossible for us to win the division. These ladies will fight to the very end. It ain’t over until it’s over”

The player-of-the-match went to Jenny Banks.