Ladies suffer second semi exit
ROCHDALE suffered narrow defeat again in their second semi-final of the weekend.
They had beaten Urmston twice already in the league this season and as with most opponents, Urmston had two starred players to help their team.
Rochdale once again had to re-shuffle the side as they had key players missing in the middle of the park.
The game started end to end with both teams getting the opportunity to attack. Try as they may, Rochdale could not find their way past Urmston’s strong starred player in defence and they knew they would have to try something different if they were to progress in the cup.
The deadlock was finally broken by Urmston with some good passing and their first shot on goal found the back of the net.
This knocked Rochdale a little but before long Roisin Pickering, Kie Leech and Becky Knowles worked the ball down the pitch and, with a surging run into the area, Knowles let fly with a great strike and the ball smashed in to the back of the net to level things at 1-1.
Urmston began to pile on the pressure after this and they were awarded a short corner – this didn’t come to anything as Leech proved too strong for their attackers, blocked the shot and cleared the ball. The half time whistle blew just as Rochdale were beginning to find their feet.
After half time Rochdale had lifted themselves and continued to fight but they just couldn’t find the Urmston net.
A few tired tackles started going in from both teams and it wasn’t long before the umpires had to have words with both captains.
Rochdale were lowering their usual high standards and this was playing into Urmstons hands.
Within minutes of everything calming down, Urmston went on to score their second of the game.
With time running out, Rochdale tried their very best to pile on more pressure but to no avail and with five minutes left striker Jenny Banks had to be substituted due to slight concussion after a dubious tackle from an Urmston opponent.
Captain Kie Leech said after the game: “It’s obviously disappointing to go out of two cups at the semi final stage, on the same weekend, but I am extremely proud of every member of the Rochdale Ladies squad.
“We have had a fantastic season sealing promotion and are still in a very strong position to win the division out-right. The Player of the match was awarded to Roisin Pickering.”