Rochdale Online Alliance Football League Report

Rochdale Online Alliance Football League

With only five games played over the previous two weekends Rochdale Online Alliance Football League Fixtures Secretary Andrew Perrin must be praying that the forecast of more moderate weather in the weeks ahead proves accurate as the season enters its final third.

Whilst acknowledging Sudden’s return to the top of the Matthew Montgomery & Co Division 1 table, and Fothergill & Whittles 2nds comprehensive President’s Cup win over higher oppostion, the headlines belong to Max Varty as his hat trick earned Horse & Farrier only their second league point of the season following a 4-4 draw with Syke at Matthew Moss. Brett Worrall added the fourth goal to bring smiles to the faces of the H&F players and due reward for their ongoing mission to enjoy their football in the face of adversity.

An all Fothergill & Whittles President’s Cup final remains a distinct possibility after the club’s second string demolished Rochdale Sacred Heart by seven unanswered goals in the quarter final at Firgrove.

Certainly they will need that form plus more in the last four as they face Premier Division title chasers Balderstone, but given their form and results this season to date a potential upset cannot be overlooked.

Azhar Iqbal (2), McKenzie and Kean scored the goals as Sudden beat F&W Rovers 4-1 at Greenvale to replace Rochdale Asia at the top of the table, although their hosts bounced back seven days later with a 3-2 away win against Balderstone 2nds to consolidate fourth place through goals from Whiteman, Hibbert and Harris-Hudson.

H&F also added four more goals to their tally against Chadderton Park at Crossley but this time it wasn’t enough as their hosts took all three points thanks to goals from Astley (3), Cole (2) and Eastwood (2).

Nevertheless, more positivity for H&F as those goals meant eight in two games after managing just seven in their previous thirteen league games.

Hopefully, the mild weather will reach Whitworth this Saturday as leaders FC Bury Town travel to an in form Valley side that lie fourth with games in hand, whilst the wonders of technology will ensure the day’s other crucial Sartori Sharpening Services Premier Division clash is certain to go ahead as Balderstone host another in form side Woodbank at Kingsway Sports Centre.