Fabulous five for women who win again

LOUISE HOWARD . . . crucial strike

OLDHAM Women's Hockey Club firsts are going great guns in North Hockey Women's League Division Two South-West.

They made it five wins on the bounce with a 1-0 defeat of Merseyside outfit Prescot at Newman College.

Playing a 4-4-2 formation, Oldham struggled early on as they lacked cohesion, while their passing was not as precise and accurate as it had been.

Prescot threatened with two short corners, but the Oldham backline and 'keeper Sarah Simpson comfortably dealt with any danger.

The visitors were often first to the ball and pressurised Oldham into mistakes or into making loose passes.

Oldham skipper Daisy May Ward and Donna Tindall had to be organised at the back, while full-backs Amy Broadbent and Kasia Faulkner covered well.

Against the run of play, Oldham went ahead.

After creating a couple of half-chances, the home side were awarded a penalty corner.

Karen Rowley injected centre forward Louise Howard, who took one touch and blasted a flat strike to in to the bottom left-hand corner.

PURPOSE

After a few strong words from captain Ward at the break, Oldham played with more purpose in the second half.

Player-of-the-game Gillian Jones, in central midfield, was terrier-like.

Oldham lacked the killer pass on occasions, but the defence stood firm.

It should have been 2-0, but Howard's effort, after rounding the 'keeper, was stopped on the line by Dannie Rawlinson.

Rowley also went close following a short corner strike by Jones.

One point off top spot, Oldham head to Bowdon this weekend seeking six wins on the spin.

Oldham: S Simpson (GK), A Broadbent, K Faulkner, D Tindall, DM Ward (C), D Rawlinson, R Johnson, G Jones, Y Jackson, L Howard, K Rowley, R Cherryholme.

FIELDING a new-look side because of illness, Oldham seconds were beaten 2-0 at Stockport Bramall firsts in Manchester Women's League Division One.

Managing to keep their opponents at bay with strong defence, Oldham appeared to be heading into half-time on level terms, only to concede with the break looming large.

A change of tactics by captain Lisa Meanock saw Oldham push further up the field.

It was a physical encounter and a player from each side was sent to the sin bin for a couple of minutes.

Oldham wasted several chances, and a quick break by Stockport saw them add a second goal.

Young Katie Hargreaves, on her second XI debut, performed well.

Oldham: J Green (GK), S Bratt, R Barrett, S Booth, J Cooper, H Jackson, L Bates, K Hargreaves, L Meanock (C), A Smith, D Alcock, L Mcguiness.