Men's Hockey: Blackburn Seconds 7 - 2 Rochdale Seconds

Rochdale Men Hockey Seconds

Having gone all last season unbeaten and won promotion, Rochdale Men's Seconds are facing much tougher opposition this season and suffered a heavy defeat in the first game of the season away at Blackburn.

The first 15 minutes were very much honours even with chances at both ends, but it was Blackburn who took the lead from a short corner, despite the heroics of Dean Close in the Rochdale goal.

Rochdale kept their heads and continued to play well, but a five minute lapse in concentration saw Blackburn score two quick goals and Rochdale were shaken.

At times when Rochdale played to their game plan they carved out some good opportunities and it was from one of these which Andy Meanock scored just before half time.

Going in to the second half 3-1 down, Rochdale still had it all to play for, but Blackburn took the wind from their sails with a quick early goal and Rochdale were once again on the ropes.

Blackburn's tails were up and they were looking to prove a point, and by the final whistle Blackburn had won 7-2. Rochdale’s second goal coming from debutant Aaron Hunter.

Captain Karl Wynn: “This season is a big step up for us and we played a team that will no doubt be challenging for the title at the end of the season. We need to re-assess and work hard, but I have a great bunch of players and we will bounce back from this.”

The man-of-the-match award went to Andy Meanock.