Rochdale Online Alliance League round up

Rochdale Online Alliance Football League

As the clocks spring forward and the ROAFL Premier Division divides in two it seems appropriate to consider the potential outcomes in all three divisions with games beginning to run out.

Weavers (Played 12 / 25 Points), Wardle (12/21) and Fothergill & Whittles (12/21) go into a three way play off to decide the destiny of this season’s title with each playing the other three times between now and the season’s end.
With Weavers appearing vulnerable after their recent President’s Cup exit at the feet of second division leaders Bridge it would take a psychic to predict the eventual outcome of this particular threesome.

Fothergills have recorded back to back victories after a dip in form to close the gap on the leaders Weavers to one of manageable proportions as four goals from Andrew Law earned them a comfortable 6-1 home win over FC Bury Town (13/13).

In the bottom half of the table Asia (13/15) have struck the first significant blow in the battle to avoid relegation as two goals from Ahmed Maqsood and one from Shazad Khan earned them a 3-1 home win against a Jacks House side (13/13) that now find themselves at the foot of the table. With seven points from the last nine Asia must be confident that they can escape the drop despite the fact they had been bottom for the past six months.

In the Matterson Cranes First Division Wardle 2nds and Balderstone are both locked together on 13/28 following fluctuating fortunes last Saturday.
Whilst Hargreaves recorded a shock 5-2 win at Rutherford Park goals from Chris McCarroll (2) and Jason Kay gave Balderstone full revenge for their away defeat seven days previously to Rochdale Sacred Heart.

With five games to play this one is also too difficult to call though the 3-3 stalemate between the third and fourth placed clubs, Fothergill & Whittles 2nds (14/24) and Weavers 2nds (15/24) seems to have ended both clubs hopes of a promotion place.

At the wrong end of the table Waggon’s (15/4) defeat at Whitworth Valleys 2nds (11/11) means they are definitely relegated whilst the win revives Valley’s hopes of avoiding the drop. In spite of their fine win over the leaders, Hargreaves (17/16) still appear favourites to join Waggon even though their one remaining fixtures is against Valley at Rawstron Street.

Bridge (18/44) are promoted and all but champions of the Matthew Montgomery & Co Second Division as goals from Haynes (2), Stockdale and Fogerty gave them a 4-1 away win at Oulder Hill against a Castleton 2nds outfit much strengthened by the inclusion of first team players. One point from their remaining games against AFC Royton and Wardle 3rds will send them up at the first time of asking ; due reward for the quality football their young side plays.
An added bonus would be a place in the final of the President’s Cup and a semi final against Wardle awaits them at the end of the month.

Moorcock’s (15/29) incredible 14-1 home win over White Lion makes them the only side who can still catch Bridge and AFC Royton (16/31) are firmly in their sights. Royton have four away games to complete their season, including visits to Bridge and Moorcock, and will need to rediscover their best form if they are to claim second place.

Sudden Carling’s (16/28) 3-2 defeat at Royton would seem to have ended their chances of bouncing straight back into the first division though they remain the only other side still in the promotion mix.
Meanwhile, Horse & Farrier’s (17/4) heavy defeat at Jacks House 2nds has condemned them to the wooden spoon unless they win their last three games and Castleton 2nds (15/13) lose all five of theirs!! Unlikely!!

And finallycongratulations to Woodbank who are through to an Alletson & Mitchell Memorial Trophy semi final against Rochdale Asia as a James McDonald hat trick gave them a 4-2 victory over Wardle 3rds at Nuttall Park.
The first semi final in that trophy takes place this weekend at Firgrove between Weavers 2nds and Wardle 2nds, kick off 2pm.