Ladies move clear at top after derby day victory

SATURDAY was derby day for Rochdale ladies, with an away trip to Oldham and it was Rochdale who came home with the bragging rights after a comprehensive victory.

Going off current form, the 3-1 victory might have been expected. But with Rochdale Captain Kie Leech unavailable at left back, and within the first 5 minutes Alexandra Bedford at right back taken off with a calf injury, Rochdale had to re-shuffle.

The first half was a typical derby battle, with both teams giving everything, Rochdale finding the net twice but seeing both efforts disallowed.

In the second half, Rochdale took an early lead from a well worked short corner routine. The ball was injected at pace from Paula McDonald and slipped by Pickering to Ashleigh Hoyle who finished with style.

Their second goal came from Jenny Banks, with a majestic reverse stick shot.

Gemma Holdcroft-Dore was carded and Oldham took full advantage of the extra player and pulled a goal back.

But when push comes to shove, Rochdale can always rely on Banks, fired up, it was her determined run passed two Oldham defenders and into the D that created her second goal of the game and for all those who saw the celebration it was obvious what the win meant.

Rochdale are now six wins from six and five points clear at the top. Tomorrow they face Didsbury Ladies in the cup, 10.30am push back at Oulder Hill Leisure Complex.