Hockey: Rochdale Ladies 0 - 3 Manchester University Women’s Seconds

Player of the Match was Paula McDonald, Rochdale Ladies Hockey

Despite being very strong and attacking at the start of the game, missing key players cost Rochdale as they succumbed to defeat against Manchester University Women’s Seconds. 

Both sides played a very strong and physical game and though Rochdale stood firm in the middle, their luck ran out when Hannah Skinner had to retire due to a wrist injury.

Manchester took advantage and piled the pressure, the extra player forcing the whole of Rochdale team to help out in defence. 

Rochdale began to concede short corners but Kie Leech made it to D top to stop them before Manchester had time to set themselves.

Leech's running combined with Beckie Moon at the back post and Sam Partington being on top form in the Rochdale goal kept Manchester at bay and kept the game scoreless at half time.

The second half started with Rochdale looking tired after a first half of defending and Manchester came out looking like they had all just had a full recharge.

Within minutes Manchester broke the deadlock to go one up.

Rochdale started to push higher up the pitch but this left them short at the back and a counter attack caught them out and Manchester's lead was doubled.

With nothing to lose, Rochdale pushed the whole team high, with even Knowles making a run into the opposite half but despite chasing down every ball and working to get every pass, they could not get a goal.

Moon had to retire from the game leaving Rochdale down to nine, and Manchester took full advantage to score a third.

Captain Kie Leech said: "We left feeling proud of our performance as a team, but we are desperate to get our goal scoring magic back."

Player-of-the-match was Paula McDonald.