Hockey: Leigh Men's 1sts 0 - 7 Rochdale Men's 2nds

Manny Ahmed was named man of the match

Rochdale played away at Leigh on Saturday 4 February. Going into the match Rochdale were expecting a comfortable win, but Leigh were on a run of four wins and had thrashed Brooklands 5-0 the previous week.

​Rochdale made a slow start, but were largely in control with Leigh opting to defend deep and try to hit on the counter for the most part, although they did manage to get a few aerials and long passes through. It was Rochdale who had the opening chances but it would take a while to capitalise on the possession.

Rochdale were a little nervy, due to the pressure from being expected to win easily, but the first goal from Bjorn Brauns would calm the away team down. A well worked passing move and good composure allowed an alert Brauns to slot a push through the keeper’s legs from around the P spot to open the scoring for Rochdale.

A second would be added before half time with a fierce strike from Richard Saggerson into the backboard to give Rochdale a 2-0 lead at half time.

There was some necessary strong words from coach Imran Ansari during the break, and the lads knew they hadn’t played particularly well despite being in the lead. It was pointed out to switch the ball quicker and to make more of an effort to go round them, rather than engaging them.

​Rochdale began the second half much better, attacking faster and stretching the play more. The third goal was not long in coming, as midfield maestro Manny Ahmed created an opening and slotted it in for his first of the day. He would score an excellent second a few minutes later. Receiving a pass on Leigh’s 23m line, he played a one-two, carried the ball to the left of the circle, then cut right and smashed it in the top corner to put Rochdale 4-0 up.

It was not entirely one sided. Leigh did manage to get a few attacks going and showed there was some talent in the side. They did manage to force stand in goalkeeper Dean Close to make an excellent double save to earn Rochdale another clean sheet.

​The away side hadn’t finished scoring though and captain Adam Massey wanted in on the scoring action, netting himself a birthday hat trick at the finish. His first goal was a well worked move, with the attack coming from down the right wing, before being worked in from the baseline, to find Massey near the back post. His second was the same but from the other side. The final one, he skilfully rounded a defender before pushing it into the bottom corner to complete his hat trick. Final score Leigh 0 - 7 Rochdale.

Team captain Adam Massey said: “It was a slow start for us, but we kept chipping away and came away with the result we wanted. Leigh didn’t make it easy for us, but it was always in our favour the longer it went on. Next week's opponents are Brooklands at home, which will be a tough test as they beat us 3-1 at their place.”

Man of the match was awarded to Manny Ahmed, with a solid all round performance and two goals.