Hockey: Bolton Ladies 4 - 3 Rochdale Ladies

Rochdale Ladies Hockey Captain Kie Leech

Rochdale Ladies lost to Bolton Ladies in the semi-final of the All Division Plate Cup.

League rules meant Rochdale started a goal to the good and for the first 15 minutes Rochdale dominated the game and grew in confidence.

The rain was falling and the wet pitch meant Rochdale had to work on short, sharp passing, which suited their natural game.

Roisin Pickering and Ashleigh Hoyle were working well in the unfamiliar roles of centre mid-field and Kie Leech had pushed herself out on the wing working tirelessly up and down the pitch.

Rochdale's break came after 20 minutes when Jenny Banks latched onto a pass and shrugged off a Boltone defender and score.

This lifted Rochdale spirits and they were showing some great, but Bolton began step it up a gear and just before half time they scored a valuable goal on the break.

Early in the second half Rochdale continued to match Bolton blow for blow and the Rochdale defence, was proving hard to crack.

Bolton did get a break through when they were awarded a short corner. Leech just got to the ball as the Bolton player struck it but it went in the bottom corner to draw the game level.

Banks had numerous chances but Bolton's keeper was proving difficult to beat, including one instance when Bolton had to clear the ball off the line from a Banks strike. Bolton could only clear it as far as the top of the D, where Pickering pushed the ball back towards the goal. The power on this was misjudged by the Bolton defence and the ball found its way in to the Bolton net. Rochdale were back in front.

The last 10 minutes were difficult for Rochdale as Bolton were piling on the pressure.

Bolton were awarded another short corner. Again Leech ran out to defend it but the ball was slipped to the second striker who shot and scored, bringing the game level.

With extra time looming Rochdale tried their hardest to get another goal but it just wasn't to be and with two minutes to go Bolton scored the winner.

Captain Kie Leech said: "The game was a great reflection of the spirit and fight Rochdale have shown all season. We have proved we will be able to hold our own in division two next year."

The player-of-the-match went to Jenny Banks.”