Dalians delight as they go on goal rampage

ROCHDALIANS were in immense form against Highfield winning 7-2, as they battle hard for second place in the Newbold Tyres Premier Division.

Highfield had the upper hand as the match started – they were quicker out of the blocks and opened the scoring almost instantly.

However, Dalians reacted well to going behind as they immediately equalised through Callum Walker.

Before long Dalians took the lead, Shamie Conway sniffed out the opened half way into the first passage of play.

Just before the interval Highfield did get back on level terms, through an exquisite free-kick.

After the half-time interval Dalians began to show signs of building massively on their first-half performance.

Callum Walker led the attacks for Dalians scoring his second and third of the match in quick succession, before Lewis Helm also grabbed a late one.

Rochdalians manager Mark McCormack said: “It was a great first half performance from Highfield but we had a good bench to bring on in the second-half when necessary. It was a slow start for us today but a brilliant finish.”

Elsewhere Middleton Town reached the Chris Shyne Memorial Trophy Final with a 4-3 over Littleborough.

Middleton Town will now face Wardle in the final, after they knocked out Highfield with a 4-0 win. Jordan Burton gave Town an early lead when he converted from the penalty spot.

Before long Middleton extended their lead to 2-0 but Littleborough were quick to reply pulling two back before the interval.

After half-time Boro went 3-2 but Middleton continued to battle against the scoreline and as a result Lee Porter brought them back level with minutes to go, before Jordan Burton clinched them a late-but-great winner.

Chris Petcu, Middleton’s manager, said: “It was a brilliant team performance and battling from being in front then behind is always difficult. It was a great team effort.”

In Division One AFC Kearsley beat Free Trade Tavern 3-1, whilst Avenue drew at Cartshaft.

Elsewhere in Division Two Joe Connor’s brace helped Woodhouse United to a 4-2 win over Duke of Wellington.

Jonny Sutcliffe and Jay Connor also scored to help Woodhouse climb off the bottom of the table.