Hockey: Rochdale Men’s Firsts 4 - 3 Kendal Men’s Firsts

The Flying Horse Man of match went to Rick Borritt

Rochdale welcomed Kendal to Oulder Hill and made a statement of intent almost immediately scoring within the first five minutes, with James Shepherd providing the assist for Barry Gumbley to score.

Unfortunately, the lead lasted a matter of minutes with Kendal equalising with a good finish of their own.

The game was hotting up and Gumbley restored Rochdale’s lead from a well-placed short corner.

Rochdale were not having it all their own way, Kendal had pace to burn and were causing problems of their own.

A lucky strike was deflected off the hand of Luke Rosebury, this drew Kendal level at 2-2 and eventually caused Rosebury to be substituted through injury.

Shortly after Mark Eden was sin binned for clashing with the Kendal forward who was also sent off to try and calm things down.

As the second half began it was still all to play for, up steps Gumbley, who scored a further two short corners to put Rochdale 4-2 to the good.

There was more drama to come with Andy Meanock being dismissed after reacting badly to the Kendal winger's mistimed tackle.

Kendal did pull a goal back with two minutes to go but Rochdale safely saw the game out.

Other positives for Rochdale was the return of Rick Borritt after a year away. James Decey in the Rochdale goal was also back to his best and Michael Waddicor after his recent goal scoring exploits managing to complete the game despite carrying a knee injury.

The Flying Horse Man of match went to Rick Borritt on his return to the club.