Hockey: Rochdale Men’s Firsts 3 - 8 Lancaster University Men’s Firsts

Rochdale Men’s Hockey Firsts 3 v 8 Lancaster University Men’s Firsts

Rochdale Men’s Hockey first team lost at home against a strong Lancaster University team with the speed Lancaster set off catching Rochdale off guard.

In the opening minutes the Rochdale back four were left exposed, and Lancaster quickly raced into a three goal lead.

Once Rochdale had changed things around they started to get a foot hold in the game creating several clear-cut chances with strong attacking play.

The Rochdale midfield of Michael Waddicor, James Shepherd, Rob Lees and Bjorne Brauns, who had been brought in from the second team, carved open the Lancaster team almost at will, but Rochdale failed to convert these early chances.

Just before the break, Rochdale scored to give them a foot hold in to the game. Mark Eden stepped up and hit a bouncing ball from a short corner into the back of the net.

The second half saw Rochdale again fail to convert chances created until Waddicor picked the ball up in midfield and ran direct at goal. The ball ended up at the feet of Shepherd and he struck it across the face of the goal to find Brauns waiting unmarked,who scored.

At 3-2 Rochdale were right back in the game, but Lancaster turned the screw and scored quickly to regain a two goal lead.

The game was ebbing to and fro, and it was Rochdale who struck next, scoring after a quick break down the right, a ball into the box was met by Dave Gowers who put it away with one touch.

That was the last of Rochdale’s goals and Lancaster added another couple of goals.

Captain Michael Waddicor said: "Rochdale can hold our heads high, despite the score line, we put in a great shift against a very youthful and skilful Lancaster side."

Oulder Hill Sports Complex man-of-the-match went to Michael Waddicor.