Hockey: Rochdale Men’s Seconds 2 - 7 Southport Men’s Seconds

Peter Ransome - Rochdale Men’s Seconds

Despite Rochdale going into the game feeling positive after victory last week, and starting the game three points in front of the opposition, it was Southport who came away with the spoils.

Within the first ten minutes Rochdale had conceded three goals from mistakes.

Rochdale heads dropped and it showed in a lack of composure - Rochdale being easily wound up by wayward Southport tackles.

Rochdale eventually found their footing and they claw back a goal with a well timed run and dribble towards the D by Bjorne Brauns; he passed to Josh Robinson at the penalty spot and one-on-one with he beat the Southport keeper.

A series of short corners for Southport followed, one of which was saved off the line by Karl Wynn, but deemed an illegal save and a penalty flick awarded which, despite the efforts of Brian Robinson in the Rochdale goal, was scored.

Half time: Rochdale Men’s Seconds 5 - 1 Southport Men’s Seconds

Rochdale's second goal came from from Braun, who managed to work it into the back of the Southport net.

Southport put Rochdale under pressure again with a string of short corners, which led to them scoring another goal.

Southport added a seventh before the game ended.

Captain Karl Wynn said: "It was a tough day today, we allowed an experienced team to mentally dominate us. Our discipline was not right, and we paid the price.

“We must learn from this and take the positive out of the game. Two of which were Sam Wilkinson and Peter Ransome. Last year they were playing in out under 15, but have stepped up to the second team with ease and both are holding their own in each and every game. It is without hesitation that they should both be awarded the Atticus man-of-the-match."