Hockey: Didsbury Greys 7 - 2 Rochdale Ladies

Photo: Rachel Jackson

Player of the match was Gemma Hodcroft

The first official match of the season saw Rochdale Ladies playing away against Didsbury Greys 2nds, on a dry and almost sunny day. This was only a couple of weeks after the two teams had played a friendly game and Rochdale were determined to show they had already improved.

Both teams started strongly, with Didsbury on the attack but Rochdale rallied defensively to hold them off. Hoyle and Owen were strong in the D, making things difficult for their opponents, and with keeper Partington on fine form, Didsbury weren't able to capitalise on a lot of their efforts on goal. Rochdale pushed back hard though, unfortunately getting bogged down in the midfield as Didsbury crowded whoever had the ball, giving them few options.

Hodcroft still managed to outrun them on a number of occasions and backed up with Collinson's strong passes and McDonald and Pickering's snappier efforts, Rochdale were able to force their way through to their opposition's final quarter several times, but unable to find the goal they craved. Finally, due to sheer number of chances, Didsbury were able to break the goal line first, to secure themselves a couple of goals not too far apart.

Rochdale pushed back, with Yates opening up space on the wing, they were able to find a way through to Knowles and Burrell, who dug into the D and were able to win another short corner. After narrowly missing a goal the last time Rochdale changed their tactics. Pickering took the shot, and Didsbury's keeper dived to block it, but Pickering was ready for the rebound and finally found the back of the goal.

The second half was harder work for Rochdale, as morale started to suffer due to some inconsistent decisions and a lucky goal from Didsbury that skimmed Partington's toe. Didsbury followed it up with a strike that was lifted up to arc over Partington, pulling them further ahead.

Moon was a force to be reckoned with as left back, pushing up the pitch and tackling any attempt to drive the ball down her wing to fire it back up the pitch, opening up another opportunity for Rochdale to get into the D. This time the ball ricocheted between half of Rochdale's players before the Didsbury keeper finally threw herself over it, keeping Rochdale from reclaiming it before a Didsbury player was able to snag it to clear it.

Later Owen was able to pelt the ball up the pitch to Hodcroft, who managed to weave her way around the three players crowding her out, finally free she was able to rocket down the pitch volleying the ball with Pickering who matched her pace. Once they reached the D it was Pickering with the ball, who took a shot. The keeper blocked it but Black was right there to claim the rebound. The keeper was determined to kick it out of Black's reach, but she fought to keep control and was able to turn and twist to keep another defender jabbing it away from her to finally find room to slot the ball into goal.

Unfortunately any thoughts of a Rochdale comeback didn't last long, as Didsbury kept punching through their defence. An unlucky block from Knowles perfectly deflected into her own goal was later matched by Palmer unable to fully stop a Didsbury hit that retained enough power to reach the goal.

Despite the mistakes that did creep into their game, Rochdale didn't give up, and still showed some excellent play as they kept challenging till the final whistle.

The final score was 7-2, with Black and Pickering on the scoresheet for Rochdale. Player of the match was Gemma Hodcroft.

Captain Collinson said: “We had a great first half and just lost momentum in the second, but nothing some more training won’t fix. Well in girls, we’ve got a great season ahead.”

Rochdale's team for this week:
Keeper; Sam Partington.
Defence; Dionne Collinson, Claire Hoyle, Gill Owen & Hannah Palmer.
Midfield; Gemma Hodcroft, Paula McDonald, Roisin Pickering & Arabella Yates.
Forwards; Katie Burrell & Becky Knowles.
Substitutes: Lily Black & Becki Moon