Hockey: Rochdale Men’s Seconds 3 - 4 South Manchester Men’s Firsts

Rochdale Men’s Hockey Seconds

Rochdale lost narrowly against a tough South Manchester side on Saturday despite a spirited fight back after going two down within ten minutes. 

The quick South Manchester goals ignited the fire in Rochdale, who found their way back into the game and started to get a stranglehold on it.

With Rochdale pressing the South Manchester players the midfield, an early lob from within his own half, saw Imran Ansari find Graham Broadley in the far corner. The South Manchester defence was stretched and a well weighted ball across the front of goal from Broadley, just out of the reach of the keeper, fell at the feet of Bjorne Brauns at the back post for a routine tap in.

The last 20 minutes of the first half saw Rochdale dominate and put South Manchester under tremendous pressure.

Just before half time South Manchester were awarded a penalty flick and the South Manchester player dutifully scored to make it 4-1 at half time.

The Rochdale attacks came thick and fast at the start of the second half and South Manchester fouled Broadley and gave away a short corner. Andy Meanock forced home the ball to bring another goal back.

The Rochdale momentum faltered when keeper Brian Robinson had to be substituted due to injury and Karl Wynn stepped up to take his place.

South Manchester got off a couple of shots before Rochdale started a full counter. Peter Ransome took the ball and drove hard towards the South Manchester D and with a well hit cross with plenty of speed it went into the D and Brauns was their to get a deflection using the speed of the ball to put the game at 4-3.

Rochdale took the game to South Manchester and played predominantly in their half, however that elusive final goal  was missing and the game ended in defeat for Rochdale.

Man-of-the-match went to Bjorne Brauns.