Title in Under 15s’ sights

ROCHDALE Under 15s played the second round of matches in the Greater Manchester Tournament on Sunday. The tournament is played on a round robin basis over five months and after the first round Rochdale were sitting in second place.

Game one was against Stockport Boys A and Rochdale played a solid game with very little for Sam Jackson in goals to do. With less than three minutes left, a great run from Ibrahim Omar to the top of D drew the Stockport defence and a neat ball slipped to player of the day Tom Kershaw at the back post meant Rochdale took the victory 1-0.

Game two saw them come up against Timperley who were the current league leaders and both teams were evenly matched. But Rochdale had the bit between their teeth and, doubling his tally, Kershaw again scored the winning goal with a great top D shot.

Game three brought Stockport Boys B team and the first of three games that Rochdale had to play back to back. But confidence was riding high and goals from Rijik Malakar, Sam Wilkinson, Omar and three from Kershaw saw Rochdale run out 6-0 winners.

Game four was against Didsbury and although they were the bottom of the league they gave Rochdale a good game. Goals came from Jake Spanswick, Peter Ransome and two more for Kershaw gave them a 4-0 victory.

The last game of the day was against Bowden, probably Rochdale’s toughest test. Rochdale held their own for two thirds of the game, but with legs tiring and no substitutes it was always going to be a tough task. With five minutes left Bowden scored. Sam Jackson made a great save but the Bowden attack reacted quickest and an easy tap gave them the lead. Rochdale rallied but with less than a minute on the clock an almost repeat situation gave Bowden a 2-0 victory.

Rochdale had done enough though and moved to top of the league. With three more fixtures to go between now and March its within their own hands to take the title.