Hockey: Rochdale Ladies 1 - 0 Oldham Ladies

Rochdale’s defence stood strong and Sam Partingtons last minute save meant they took the derby spoils

Rochdale Ladies had taken the bragging rights earlier in the season beating Oldham, so Oldham were looking for revenge, but Rochdale won this derby game by the slenderest of margins.

Despite the freezing temperature, straight from the starting whistle both teams battled hard with some excellent link up play from the Rochdale midfield pairing of Roisin Pickering and Ashleigh Hoyle to set the Rochdale forwards free, but Oldham's goalkeeper was proving hard to beat.

Both teams were taking the game very seriously and this wasn't helping their nerves as mistakes were beginning to be made by both teams and calmness was needed.

In the first half, Rochdale strikers Becky Knowles and Jenny Banks had several chances but Oldham's defence stood strong.

It wasn't until the final stages of the first half that Rochdale upped their game and with two minutes to half time they took their chance. A fantastic run down the wing and into the D area saw Pickering cross the ball where in form striker Jenny Banks at the back post wasn't going to miss.

Oldham were visibly deflated as both teams had battled hard up to half time, but Rochdale were on top.

Oldham continued to press hard and they had several chances but just couldn't take them.

Rochdale's defence proved the better as Rochdale goalkeeper Sam Partington hadn’t yet even touched the ball. Rochdale’s defending from the front meant that at some points in the game Oldham had 10 players back behind the ball trying their best to keep Rochdale out.

This defensive tactic worked for Oldham and Rochdale could not find a second goal to kill the game off.

With two minutes to go Oldham were awarded a short corner. Quick neat passing in the D by Oldham was matched once again by the good defending witnessed all season from Rochdale.

Oldham made an opening managed to get a shot off. Partington, who had done nothing all game got her touch, pulling off a save which proved very important as this was the final touch of the game.

The win meant Rochdale stayed top and had done the double over rivals Oldham.

Captain Kie Leech: ”Derby games are always tough. Oldham are a strong team and we knew they would be looking to avenge our win in October.

"A huge mention has to go to Sam Partington in goal, who must have been freezing for 69 minutes with very little to do, but then when needed pulled off a magnificent save.”

The player-of-the-match went to Jenny Banks.