Hockey: Rochdale Ladies 2 - 1 Timperley Ladies

Photo: Rachel Jackson

Paula McDonald (right) scored one of Rochdale's goals

Rochdale Ladies faced Timperley 6s on Saturday 8 February for their first match of the weekend in an exciting game with high intensity place from both sides.

Rochdale started well after the ball was cleared by Hoyle from a Timperley counter attack up to Black on the left hand side of the pitch. Black sent it flying to Midani who handed it off to McDonald who took a shot on goal. The shot was slightly to the right, Lyssejko attempted a tap in but unfortunately it didn’t quite make the back of the net. A short corner was however awarded but Rochdale failed to convert.

It wasn’t long after this that Timperley opened the scoring but Rochdale kept pushing as they weren’t willing to give up just yet.

In the second half Rochdale had another good chance when Leech intercepted a Timperley 16, handed it off to Hodcroft who passed it to Burrell. Burrell expertly took a shot which lifted upon the strike however this hit the left post whilst narrowly missing Black.

A run of shorts came Rochdale’s way. The final short of this particular run saw McDonald injecting the pass up to Burrell who took a shot. McDonald got a touch and sent the ball into the back of the net to level the scores.

Hodcroft was fouled in the D and the umpires called advantage so she had a shot on goal. The keeper saved the shot before McDonald worked to win the rebound before passing it to Black who connected with the ball and made it 2-1.

Paula McDonald was named player of the match.

Captain Dionne Collinson said: "That was a great start to a double weekender. Let’s aim for the same again tomorrow.”

Rochdale's team:
Keeper; Sam Partington.
Defence; Dionne Collinson, Claire Hoyle, Kieran Leech & Becky Knowles.
Midfield; Gemma Hodcroft, Fee Lyssejko, Paula McDonald & Lois Midani
Forwards; Lily Black & Katie Burrell
Substitutes: Anna O'Mahony.