Hockey: Rochdale Men's 1sts 0 - 2 Bolton Men's 1sts

Photo: Rachel Jackson

Rochdale Men's 1sts v Bolton Men's 1sts

After a pretty dismal start to the season Rochdale were still looking for their first win of the season at home to Bolton on Saturday 11 November.

In their previous game, a 2-1 defeat to unbeaten league leaders Bowdon, where the team had put in their most complete performance of the season so far, Dale were feeling confident of the win.

The opening stages were cagy, but the home team didn't heed the captain's pre-match instructions and the team lacked intensity of play in the opening 25 minutes and found themselves 2-0 down. Both goals could have been avoided and again followed individual errors.

In the final minutes of the half Dale had opportunities to score through penalty corners but couldn't make them count. Tempers flared during the half time team talk, there being plenty of frustration following the team's display in the opening half.

Dales intensity was much better during the second half which resulted in a much more even contest, some good hockey was played by both sides and there were chances to score at either end of the pitch, but once again Dale couldn't make their chances count.

Rochdale’s next game is away at Alderley Edge on Saturday (18 November) where they will hope to pick up some points. They will feel that they are just around the corner given some of the performances they have put in recently, but ultimately the team need to earn the right to win first.

Report by Stuart Dearden