Hockey: Urmston Ladies 2 - 1 Rochdale Ladies

Rochdale Ladies Hockey: Becky Knowles equalised for Rochdale

In their second semi-final of the weekend Rochdale lost to Urmston, a team they have beaten twice in the league this season.

Rochdale had to re-shuffle the team as they had key players missing.

The game started with both teams getting the opportunity to attack.

Try as they may Rochdale could not find their way past the Urmston defence.

The deadlock was finally broken by Urmston when their first shot on goal found the back of the net.

Roisin Pickering, Kie Leech and Becky Knowles worked the ball down the pitch and with a surging run into the area Knowles let fly and the ball smashed in to the back of the net, to draw Rochdale level.

Urmston began to pile on the pressure and they were awarded a short corner.  Leech proved too strong for their attackers and blocked the shot and cleared the ball.

Rochdale continued to fight in the second half but couldn't find the Urmston net.

Tired tackles started going in from both teams and the umpires had to have words with both captains.

After Urmston scored their second of the game, and with time running out, Rochdale tried to pile on more pressure but to no avail.

Captain Kie Leech said: “It’s obviously disappointing to go out of two cups at the semi final stage on the same weekend, but I am extremely proud of every member of the Rochdale Ladies squad.

"We have had a fantastic season sealing promotion and are still in a very strong position to win the division outright."

Player-of-the-match was awarded to Roisin Pickering.