Hockey: Manchester Manto 7 - 2 Rochdale Ladies

Rochdale keeper Sam Partington was named player of the match

This Saturday 25 February, Rochdale were away to play Manchester Manto 1st team. Rochdale were hoping to capitalise on their current form - where even though they weren't always getting a win, they were absolutely giving their opposition a hard time beating them - against a team they knew to be well drilled.

It quickly became apparent that Rochdale's defence had their work cut out for them this week, with Manto repeatedly putting pressure on them to keep the ball in Rochdale's half of the pitch for significant lengths of time. However, their headway was constantly impeded by Leech and Collinson tackling and intercepting. The few attempts that did get through were met by either Hoyle's steadfast blocks or Partington's excellent saves.

Rochdale were still able to cut through and work their way up into Manto's D though. Leech was absolutely on fire on left wing, backed up by Parton who was now comfortable hustling on left field and when to pass off to either Hodcroft or Leech. Whenever Manto left Leech unmarked during a hit-out, the trio were able to make significant headway down the pitch. But even if they were able to get into Manto's D, Rochdale were unable to find a way past the opposition's defence.

In the end, Manto scored first, but Rochdale retaliated almost instantly with an efficient and precise set of passes between the midfield to Pickering, who ran it down the wing almost to the back line before turning and passing the ball off to Burrell. She took a touch to get the ball under control before turning and striking the ball across towards the far corner of the goal, bringing Rochdale back level. Even though Manto managed to pull further ahead, Rochdale still kept pushing. Lots of quick, sharp passes in the midfield between Hodcroft, Knowles and Pickering saw them back into Manto's D, and even though a cross was intercepted, Black dived in to try and recover it, only for Manto's defence to sweep it away before she could take a shot.

There were multiple short corners throughout the match, awarded to both teams at various points and generally handled well by all involved. When Rochdale got a series of three in a row, after their initial effort to go via the left was foiled, they changed tactics on their subsequent efforts. It wasn't enough to get them a goal, but it got them close each time. Similarly Rochdale were able to close Manto down well on most of the short corners they had to defend.

Despite being on the back foot, Rochdale kept the pressure on Manto, and it showed as frustrations mounted for their opposition. It wasn't enough to prevent Manto scoring again, but Rochdale made it difficult. That tenacity paid off when Knowles took advantage of a clear run towards the D, passing the ball off near Manto's D as Burrell ran in with her. Burrell received the ball and took it into the D and hit it full pelt into the goal before any of Manto's defence could close her down.

On another Manto break, their striker took her shot at the top of the D, lifting it towards the goal. Collinson snapped her stick out and connected with the ball midair to drop it back to the ground so she could sweep it out to the left wing. Ultimately, however, all Rochdale were able to do by the final whistle was slow the tide of Manto goals.

Final score was 7-2, with Katie Burrell (2) as Rochdale's only goal scorer.

Captain Collinson said: "You win some you lose some. Still a brilliant effort and some great play. Onwards and upwards ladies.”

Player of the match was vice captain Samantha Partington.

Rochdale's team:
Keeper; Sam Partington.
Defence; Dionne Collinson, Claire Hoyle, Kieran Leech, & Hannah Palmer.
Midfield; Gemma Hodcroft, Becky Knowles, Daisy Parton & Roisin Pickering.
Forwards; Lily Black & Katie Burrell.
Substitutes: Becki Moon.