Brave Plate bid ends in defeat

ROCHDALE were narrowly beaten in Saturday’s semi final against Bolton Ladies 2s, a mid-table division 2 team.

League rules meant Rochdale started a goal to the good and for the first 15 minutes they dominated the game and grew in confidence.

The rain was falling and the wet pitch meant Rochdale had to work on short, sharp passing, which suited their natural game. Roisin Pickering and Ashleigh Hoyle were working well in the unfamiliar roles of centre midfield and captain Kie Leech had pushed herself out on the wing, working tirelessly up and down the pitch.

Rochdale’s break came after 20 minutes when Jenny Banks latched onto a great pass, managed to shrug a defender off and with a fantastic strike scored to make it 2-0.

This lifted Rochdale spirits and they were showing some great, intricate passing up the pitch. But Bolton began to step it up a gear and before half time they scored on the break to reduce the deficit.

Early in the second half, Rochdale continued to match Bolton blow for blow.

As usual, the Rochdale defence, was proving hard to crack. Bolton did get a break through though when they were awarded a short corner.

Leech, who has been prolific all season defending these, just got to the ball as the Bolton player struck it and it went in the bottom corner to draw the game level at 2-2.

Rochdale didn’t let this faze them and they kept fighting.

Banks had numerous chances but Bolton’s keeper was proving difficult to beat, including a great chance when the home side had to clear the ball off the line from a Banks strike. Bolton could only clear it as far as the top of the D, where Pickering pushed the ball back towards the goal.

The power on this was misjudged by the Bolton defence and the ball found its way in to the net – Rochdale were back in front at 3-2.

The last 10 minutes were difficult for Rochdale as Bolton were piling on even more pressure.

With some questionable decisions by an otherwise very good umpire, Bolton were awarded yet another short corner.

Again Leech ran out to defend it but the ball was slipped to the second striker who shot and scored, once again bringing the game all level at 3-3.

With extra time looming Rochdale tried their hardest to get another goal but it just wasn’t to be and with two minutes to go Bolton scored what would end up being the winner.

Captain Kie Leech said: “The game was a great reflection of the spirit and fight Rochdale have shown all season. We have proved we will be able to hold our own in division 2 next year.

“The Player of the match went to Jenny Banks.”