Hockey: Stockport Bramhall Ladies 3rds 2 - 1 Rochdale Ladies

Photo: Rachel Jackson

Player of the match was Gemma Hodcroft

Rochdale Ladies travelled to Stockport on Saturday (6 November) to take on Stockport Bramhall 3rds. With Covid and injuries, Rochdale had a squad of only 12, although this week's game saw the welcome return of Claire Hoyle in goal.

Rochdale started well with some quick passing, using all three channels to penetrate the oppositions D. Paula McDonald, Roisin Pickering, Gemma Hodcroft and Becca Newton worked hard to carry the ball up the pitch to upfront players Arabella Yates and Rachael Richardson, whilst Kate Brammer, Gill Owen and Becky Knowles supported from the defensive third.

Stockport went two goals up during the first half and Rochdale had many chances but couldn’t seem to find the back of the net. Daisy Parton, a promising young player, was centimetres away from securing Rochdale a goal before the half time whistle sounded.

Rochdale were eager to go into the second half and even the score line. Energy was high and Rochdale were clearly determined to make Stockport work hard. Short sharp passing and communication from the defence travelled up the pitch and made it increasingly difficult for Stockport to move the ball effectively.

Rochdale began to dominate the game and finally their hard work paid off. A pass from Brammer up to McDonald was given to Hodcroft at the top of the D. Hodcroft took a shot on goal which saw the ball flying into the right hand corner before the goalie could react.

This was a great boost for Rochdale but unfortunately time was not on their side and it wasn’t long until the final whistle was blown. The game ended 2-1 to Stockport.

The player of the match was Gemma Hodcroft.

Captain Becky Knowles said: “Despite some questionable decisions from the umpires, the ladies kept going which is all I could ask for. Well done all.”