Hockey: Rochdale Men’s Seconds 0 - 6 St Helens Men’s Firsts

Rochdale Men’s Seconds team took on St Helens Men’s Firsts on Saturday (23 March), hoping to keep their slim hope of promotion as runner up alive.

The match started in earnest with both teams playing well and creating attacking opportunities.

It was St Helens who would get first blood as a penalty flick was converted. Rochdale didn't collapse straight away and still created some clear-cut goal scoring opportunities, but it began to look like it would not be Rochdale's day as that little bit of magic in front of goal was just not there.

St Helens, however, had no such problems and started scoring a succession of goals. The last of the half showed they were enjoying the good fortune to go with their good skill levels, as the ball struck both posts and span over the line.

Half time: Rochdale 0 - 4 St Helens

Undeterred, Rochdale gave it a good go in the second half, dominating possession in the main and creating the better chances. As time wore on though and St Helens scored two more, with well finished counters, Rochdale coach Aasim Choudry started to change things and see what might work for next season.

Aaron Hunter and Bjorne Brauns ability to eliminate players one on one added a new element to the attack.

Liam Nutter showed how much he's improved from picking up a stick for the first time.

Graham Broadley put in some good crosses from inside forward with a few blistering hits.

Dean Close showed he can play inside forward as well.

Peter Ransome executed an excellent drag flick (when Rochdale finally got the new routine right) which required an excellent full-length stick save from the keeper to stop it going in the bottom corner.

The game finished 6-0 to St Helens.

It was a frustrating day for everyone but there were a lot of positives to take from this.

Congratulations to St Helens on their promotion, they are a good side and good luck to them for next season. Rochdale will put the work in during pre-season and hopefully go up as champions next year.

The Flying Horse man of the match was Graham Broadley for following instructions, keeping his discipline and working hard on and off the ball.