Hockey: Rochdale Seconds 5 - 1 Formby Fourths

Quit-Chem Man of the Match, Graham Broadley

Rochdale had registered a hard fought 3-2 victory in the last game against Formby and so were fully prepared for another tough game, but this time came away with a more comfortable win.

Rochdale changed the front two formation against Windermere to great success last weekend, captain Karl Wynn kept his faith in Andy Meanock and Graham Broadley as the striking partnership.

The pair soon repaid Wynn’s faith as both got on the score sheet before half time, Broadley opening the scoring from a short corner and then both him and Meanock combining, to each score from open play and take Rochdale in at half time with a healthy 3-0 lead.

Formby came out in the second half with much more spirit and fight. Brian Robinson in the Rochdale goal was called in to action on a couple of occasions and Karl Wynn twice had to clear off the line from Formby short corners.

Formby did pull a goal back but Rochdale were always in control and with a brace from Bjorne Brauns in the second half, Rochdale ran out comfortable winners.

Rochdale move up to fifth place in the league, with a game in hand on fourth place.

Next week sees them take on Preston fifths who sit just below them.

Captain Karl Wynn said: “Andy Meanock and Graham Broadley were fantastic today. They looked like they had been playing together for years. I had every confidence in them both from what I saw last week and they didn’t let me down.

"Graham Broadley was fully deserving of the Quat Chem man-of-the-match.”