Hockey: Preston Fourths 4 - 1 Rochdale Men’s Seconds

Brian Robinson - Rochdale Men’s Seconds

Rochdale Seconds travelled up to Preston to play the re-arranged fixture with Preston Fourths and failed to secure the win would have taken them up to third place in the league.

Rochdale had not been able to train in the week running up to the game due to a frozen pitch and it was clear it had an effect.

Preston played with a high tempo that Rochdale just couldn’t match; chances were few and far between for them and when they did come Rochdale just weren’t on their game.

Preston were on fire and Brian Robinson in the Rochdale goal certainly earned the Quat-Chem man-of-the-match award, making a string of saves in both halves, including one off his head.

Despite his efforts, and those of Captain Karl Wynn saving a short corner off the line, Preston ran out winners and leap-frogged Rochdale in the table.

Rochdale’s consolation goal came from Arron Hunter, playing on the wing.

Captain Karl Wynn said: “Naturally we are all disappointed, but our aim this year was to stay up after promotion last year.

"The whole squad to be disappointed at not going third in the table at the half way point of the season, having now played everybody once, is testament to the ambition this team has.”