RDSFL Under 18's succumb to long ball game

Rochdale amp; District Sunday Football League Under 18's took on the South Lancashire Football League Under 18's at the ground of Milton FC, Springfield Park, on Sunday 15 October in an inter-league quarter final match.

A tricky playing surface and a swirling wind made conditions difficult, however, this did not spoil what was an excellent and entertaining game of football.

Rochdale dominated the first half with the creativity of Rochdale's wide men, Mitten and Webster, proving a major threat to the South Lancs defence. They created numerous chances; however, front men Alfrey and Bentley could not find the net, their final touch too often letting them down.

A solid performance by Rochdale's defence, led by Captain Rothwell, kept the South Lancashire forwards at bay, restricting them to playing long high balls into the heart of the Rochdale defence with little threat to Rochdale 'keeper Roche.

Rochdale certainly had the chances to go in at half time with a comfortable lead but the first half remained goalless.

In the second half the wind got even stronger and with this behind them it was very advantageous to the South Lancs long ball game. Rochdale's defence was continuously under pressure, keeper Roche making a number of excellent saves, with Whitelegge and Rothwell working well together at the heart of defence.

Midfielders Nash and Ashworth increased their efforts, Bentley, Mitten and Alfrey all came close up front for Rochdale but could not find the back of the net.

The South Lancs pressure eventually paid off when, from a corner, centre half Mills headed home at the far post.

With 20 minutes still to play Alfrey and Webster made way for McKeown and Duckworth and both players made an immediate impact putting the South Lancs defence under pressure, however, still the South Lancs slender lead remained intact and so with a last throw of the dice, and with just 10 minutes remaining on the clock, Rochdale's management team sent on an extra forward in search of the equaliser - Diggle, who had an excellent game, being replaced by Phillips.

With Rochdale pressing hard and throwing all they had going forward in search of the equaliser, they got hit by the classic counter attack when, with just 7 minutes remaining, South Lancs midfielder Lavin chased down another long ball and made no mistake to find the net and make it 2-0.

Rochdale continued to press, Astley pushing forward creating opportunities, but Rochdale could not find the final touch that the team effort deserved and at the final whistle it was South Lancs who progressed to the next round.

After the game Rochdale amp; District Sunday Football League Chairman Jim Matthews said: "The game was a credit to all players involved, the attitude, effort and ability was a credit to both leagues, and was praised by the referee at the end of the game."

The man-of-the-match award was shared by Rochdale's James Rothwell and Tim Astley, but as Chairman Matthew's added: "this was a tremendous team effort that unfortunately went unrewarded on this occasion.

"The Management Committee of the R&DSFL would like to thank all Secretaries for their assistance in providing players for this match, the Inter League sponsor Ian Senior of Sensport for his continued support, Milton FC for the use of their ground and to all supporters on the day."