Hockey: Rochdale 5 - 3 Golbourne

Michael Waddicor scores with a pinpoint drag flick to seal victory for Rochdale against Golbourne

Rochdale beat Golborne again on Saturday following their victory against them in the cup earlier in the season.

Golbourne started with their usual fast pace, tackles flying in and winning most of the 50/50 balls.

However, it was Rochdale who took an early lead after David Gowers converted a reverse stick shot.

Golbourne quickly responded through a Rochdale error to equalise.

The game continued at a high tempo and Rochdale would have been well ahead if it wasn’t for the Golbourne keeper making several saves from James Shepherd.

Rochdale player coach Stuart Dearden made a run out to the side to receive the ball and after he laid it off to Sean Carney, Dearden coming back injury, was able to get onto the end of the return cross to put the ball over the line at the second time of asking.

Golbourne again equalised, this from a thunderous close range shot that caught the Rochdale keeper James Deacy out at his near post.

Gowers put Rochdale back in front with a solo run around the edge of the D followed by  a trademark reverse stick that the Golbourne keeper couldn't keep out.

Golbourne never gave in and their captain again pulled them level when he converted a penalty corner into the top right corner.

Rochdale captain Michael Waddicor won a penalty corner after he was fouled by several times as he attacked the Golbourne D. Waddicor stepped up to convert it in style by drag flicking the ball into the top left corner.

This knocked the wind out of Golbourne's sail and Gowers added to the score line completing another hat-trick to add to his extensive collection.

Rochdale are now top of the table three points above second place.

Michael Waddicor said: "It's always tough playing a young and fast Golbourne side, so of course I am happy with the win. We had to dig deep yet again, and I hope we can continue this great run. Andy Borritt and Daniel Bowe were rocks in defence, but I would have to give the Oulderhill Leisure Centre man-of-the-match award to David Gowers for yet another hat-trick.”