Rochdale Online Alliance Football League Report

Rochdale Online Alliance Football League

The earlier than usual completion of the Rochdale Online Alliance Football League league fixtures sees Fothergill & Whittles crowned Sartori Sharpening Services Premier Division champions for the first time; a run of seven consecutive victories at the business end of the season saw Nick Sunderland’s side prevail over the chasing pack.

The title was secured with a comfortable 4-0 away win at Woodbank, to add to recent wins over their other closest rivals Walsden and White Lion, and they end five points clear of runners up Walsden and seven clear of third placed White Lion.

For much of the season such a clear gap did not appear likely but Fothergills greater strength in depth has served them well, and their continued progression over recent seasons now gives them the opportunity to secure an unprecedented treble.

Fothergills go head-to-head with Walsden this coming Saturday in the quarter final of the President’s Cup, and will face the same opponents in the final of the Chairman’s Cup if they can overcome Sudden in the second semi final.

A late winner from Danny Brown gave Walsden a 2-1 win over Rochdale Asia at Firgrove to book their place in that final on 15 May, and keep their most successful season for years alive on two fronts still.

In the final league action of the season Woodbank recorded their first victory on the field in 2015 with a 2-1 away win at under strength Rochdale Sacred Heart, whilst Sudden cemented fifth place with a 5-3 home win over relegated Balderstone at Matthew Moss.

In Division One, Rochdale Galaxy warmed up for their A&M Memorial Trophy final this coming Friday evening with a 3-1 win at Wardle OB, whilst Falcon 2nds defeated Horse & Farrier 6-0 to end their first season in the league in some style, after nine defeats in their first ten outings they have picked up four wins and a draw from their final six to drop F&W Rovers in to the bottom two right at the end of the season.