Jackson fires first team up to fifth with away-day winner

YVONNE JACKSON . . . Oldham winner

BUOYED from an emphatic 6-1 victory the previous weekend, Oldham Ladies Hockey Club firsts knew nothing short of their best would be good enough in their first encounter against their Bolton counterparts string on opposition turf.

And despite being without leading goalscorer Louise Howard through injury and holding midfielder Jordanna Rawlinson, Oldham celebrated a 2-1 success.

A powerful side which had been relegated from the section above the North Hockey Women's League Division Two South West last season, Bolton were quick to work Oldham from the off, turning over the away team's push back soon after the first whistle.

However, it was Oldham who made their mark.

Right-back Chidi Onuoha started a strong offensive move which saw play switch from the right of defence to Amy Broadbent on the left wing, involving the whole team in the process.

An inch-perfect pass from the halfway line by Yvonne Jackson found Rebecca Blair's stick in the final quarter.

Quickly into the 'D', Blair finished coolly, chipping the goalkeeper to put Oldham in front.

Another intelligent counter-attack saw player-of-the-game centre-back Fran Lees link up with Karen Rowley and Jackson, and it was the latter who doubled Oldham's lead deep into the second half.

Under pressure but determined to keep a clean sheet, Oldham were unlucky to concede a goal from a penalty flick soon afterwards, but they held on to go fifth in the table, just one point behind this weekend's opponents, Timperley.

OLDHAM: Simpson (GK), Broadbent, Lees, Ward (C), Onuoha, Y Jackson, Johnson, Meanock, J Perry, Smith, Blair, Rowley.

ELSEWHERE, the Oldham club's second team succumbed 1-0 to Greater Manchester Ladies Division One leaders City of Manchester (COM) firsts.

Playing with passion and commitment, the defence of Ria Barrett, Donna Tindall, Sally Booth and Kasia Faulkner nullified their opponents attacks, until a short corner on the stroke of half time saw COM take the lead.

Central midfielders Hayley Jackson and Gillian Jones commanded the middle of the field, spearheading the press against the COM goal.

But despite great pressure from strikers Rachel Cherryholme and Karen Rowley and a series of short corners towards the end of the game, Oldham were unable to force an equaliser.

Oldham took pride in a fine team performance which, if repeated, will surely be enough to gain points against the lesser teams in the division.

OLDHAM: Green (GK), Faulkner (C), H Jackson, Barrett, Tindall, Bratt, Booth, Jones, McGuinness, J Perry, Cherryholme, Rowley, Y Jackson.

FEATURING two players under-16, Oldham thirds yielded a point in a goalless draw against visitors Manchester University fourths in Greater Manchester Hockey Association Division Three.

A bright start saw Oldham give their opponents no time on the ball, while goalkeeper Alison Chadwick had little to do as the defence held firm. Linda Ashton was particularly strong at the back.

Despite Oldham dominating possession and having plenty of shots on goal, they had to settle for a share of the spoils.

Captain Lauren Bates was delighted with her team's performance, with under-16s player Katie Hargreaves named player-of-the-match by the opposition.

OLDHAM: Chadwick (GK), Ashton, S Lord, H Jackson, Booth, Cooper, Alcock, Bates (C), O Perry, Wake, Morgan, Hargreaves, K Lord.