Hockey: Oldham Ladies 1 - 3 Rochdale Ladies

Kate Brammer was Rochdale's player-of-the-match

Saturday was derby day for Rochdale ladies, with an away trip to Oldham and it was Rochdale who came home with the bragging rights after a comprehensive 3-1 victory.

Rochdale Captain Kie Leech was unavailable at left back, and within the first five minutes Alexandra Bedford at right back taken off with a calf injury, forcing a Rochdale re-shuffle. Kate Brammer dropped back from midfield into the defence alongside regular centre back Nikki Mongon.

The first half was a typical derby battle, with both teams giving everything.

Rochdale had the ball in the back of the net twice, through Jenny Banks and stand in captain Roisin Pickering, but both goals were disallowed and the teams went in level at the break.

In the second half, Rochdale took an early lead from a well worked short corner routine. The ball was injected at pace from Paula McDonald and slipped by Pickering to Ashleigh Hoyle who finished with style.

Rochdale began to dominate the game and their second goal came from Banks, with a majestic reverse stick shot after reacting quickest to a loose ball in the Oldham D.

Derby day rivalry and tensions were running high and when Rochdale midfielder Gemma Holdcroft-Dore was carded, Oldham took full advantage of the extra player and pulled a goal back.

Rochdale can always rely on Banks and it was her determined run past two Oldham defenders and into the D that created her second goal of the game - and her celebration showed what the win meant to her.

Rochdale have won six from six and are five points clear at the top of the table.

Roisin Pickering said: “A tough a game, we knew that would be the case. The whole team stepped up when needed, particularly the defence. I think a special mention has to go to the player-of-the-match, Kate Brammer, who played in three different positions and led by example.”

Next weekend they play host to Didsbury Ladies on Sunday in the cup, 10:30 push back at Oulder Hill Leisure Complex.