ROAFL report

Rochdale Online Alliance Football League

Cup action took centre stage last Saturday and there was no shortage of shocks as the semi finalists emerged in both competitions.

A double for Steve McDonald saw Division Two leaders Woodbank dump Premier Division FC Bury Town out of the President’s Cup at Nuttall Park. Woodbank were more than good value for their win and they will now meet Moorcock in the semi final after they overcame Wardle 2nds 3-1 at Firgrove.

The other semi final will also offer a giant killing opportunity as Division One leaders Westdene face their toughest challenge of the season against Premier Division Champions Wardle.

Westdene received a bye into the last four as a result of the expulsion of Asia and Rochdale Asia whilst, at the opposite end of the spectrum, Wardle needed two hours and penalties to finally overcome the challenge of Fothergill & Whittles at Rutherford Park.

The first half was a fractious affair with both sides content to argue with anyone who would listen, and Fothergills deservedly led at the break though a goal from Gary Nash.

Things settled down after the break and Paul Sykes equalised early in the second half for the home side and an even, well contested second period unfolded.

There was a smattering of chances at both ends but extra time always seemed likely and that too failed to separate the sides.

Both had vehement appeals for a penalty turned down and Ryan Hill had a last gasp “winner” chalked off after the referee spotted a push off the ball by a protesting colleague.

Penalties it was and a Scowcroft save from Fothergills’ second spot kick was enough to send Wardle through and consign Fothergills to a defeat they took with great sportsmanship and dignity.

Curiously, there was a bye of sorts in the Alletson & Mitchell Memorial Trophy as Jacks House untimely resignation from the league gave AFC Royton a free pass into the last four where they will face Fothergill & Whittles 3rds, 4-3 winners over... Fothergill & Whittles 2nds at Whittles Park. Howe, Gibson, Kibble and Craw scored the goals that will be discussed over Littleborough way for years to come ensuring at least one Division Two side will be in the final.

Four goals from Lee Herbert fired White Lion to an unexpectedly emphatic 7-1 win over Sudden and they will now meet First Division Balderstone 2nds who defeated a gallant Hargreaves side by three goals to nil in the remaining last eight tie. Faulkner, Petrillo and Chaplin scored the goals and, on the strength of their outstanding display in the drawn midweek game with Wardle 2nds, it will take a very good performance to stop Balderstone in their tracks.

The semi finals in both competitions will take place at Firgrove on Saturday 27 April with 2pm kick off times.

In league action Asia took another significant step towards Premier Division safety with a 2-1 win at Hopwood Hall over Rochdale Asia while Whitworth Valley 2nds moved into third place in the Matterson Cranes First Division thanks to an Alex Mycock goal against Rochdale Sacred Heart at Rawstron Street.

In the midweek action Wardle FC secured a second successive Sartori Sharpening Services Premier Division title with a 5-1 home win over Moorcock as their last remaining challengers Fothergill & Whittles were held to a goalless draw at Goshen by FC Bury Town. 

Meanwhile in Division One leaders Westdene slipped to a surprising 3-2 defeat to Whitworth Valley 2nds, a result that moves Valley’s second string within striking distance of second placed Wardle 2nds who were held to a draw by Balderstone 2nds on the Matthew Moss 3G.

With the wind almost “gale force” at times the game was a credit to both sides who got the ball down and played football. A feature of Balderstone’s play was the energy and skilful interplay of their youngsters and a lesser side than Wardle would have succumbed on the night, but their own ability ensured the game remained on a knife edge throughout with a draw the fairest result.