Hockey: Southport 7 - 3 Rochdale

Bjorne Brauns, Rochdale Men's Hockey

Saturday saw Rochdale’s first fixture of the new season and defeat to a well drilled Southport side.

Rochdale, who are adapting to a new formation, struggled with players not yet up to match speed.

Gowers and Gumbley shown yellow cards for Rochdale, and general rusty performances, led to the defeat.

Rochdale did show signs of promise, with a well worked third goal, plus a strike from Eden which hit the post.

Rochdale could have been awarded a penalty flick in the last few minutes, when Lees was cut down, but the umpire waved it away.

Captain Michael Waddicor: “It was a disappointing day for us, the new system we are using will take time, but we do have positive to build on for next week.”