Hockey: Rochdale Ladies 1 - 2 Didsbury Greys

Player of the Match - Paula McDonald (in blue), Rochdale Ladies Hockey

Rochdale Ladies first game of the season on Saturday was against a traditionally strong Didsbury Greys, and so it proved as Didsbury edged a tight game.

With regular goalkeeper Sam Partington out of action, Jenny Banks took her place, and the combination of new players and junior section players stepping up to the seniors, meant it was always going to be a tough game for Rochdale.

Didsbury were strong from the first whistle. A number of jinking run them enter the D on several occasions butthe Rochdale defence - Moon, Mongan, Knowles and captain Becky Knowles-  stood strong and kept them at bay.

The Rochdale attack were put together intricate passing but to no avail as their shots were easily cleared by the Didsbury defence.

In the first half Didsbury had four short corners awarded, putting pressure on Rochdale, but nerves were settled when each one was cleared.

The second half started much like the first half.with Didsbury attacking several times but they lacked the killer instinct in front of goal.

They did finally score taking advantage of a broken-down attack with meant the  Rochdale defence had committed up the pitch. The Didsbury centre forward found herself unmarked in the D, and with only the stand-in keeper Banks to beat, she knocked it under her kickers and hit the back of the net.

Rochdale hit back with a well worked short corner by Pickering and Knowles which found Paula McDonald at the back post to slot home.

Rochdale worked hard all game but with 10 minutes to go a lapse in concentration saw Didsbury through on goal to score and seal the game.

Becky Knowles said: "This score was undeserved as we played well for our first game of the season. It was great to see the new players getting involved and seeing the increasing confidence of the junior players. We can learn a lot from the game though and I know with the excellent team spirit we will bounce back next week.”