Oldham secure crucial double victory boost

Oldham V Didsbury Greys, hockey match played at Newman College, Oldham. Pic shows, Louise Howard, (blue strip), playing for Oldham, tackling for the ball

OLDHAM enjoyed 2-0 victories in the league and cup at the weekend.

In their first game, they entertained Wrexham at Newman School in North Hockey League Division Two South West.

Coach Chris Dean was hoping another week in charge would have Oldham understanding his tactics better.

They again started with three at the back with a diamond formation with two holding midfielders of Amanda Smith and Yvonne Jackson with Rachael Johnson in central midfield.

Oldham started brightly, but Wrexham looked up for it and the home side were indebted to in-form goalkeeper Sarah Simpson for a couple of last-ditch saves.

Captain and centre back Daisy May Ward looked to pivot play and the Oldham backline were instrumental in setting up possession-based hockey.

Louise Howard fired just wide before puttting Oldham in front when player of the day Amanda Smith won possession high up the pitch. Howard got into space at the top of the D, turned her defender before firing home.

Wrexham almost levelled on a breakaway with the forward one-on-one with Simpson, who made an excellent block.

TEAM TALK

A half-time team talk from the coach resulted in a much-improved Oldham performance.

Some lovely flowing passing around the back and midfield saw Oldham keep possession and look more assured.

A commanding display from Smith and Jackson saw them mop up any danger with the defence of Ward, Fran Lees and Amy Broadbent comfortable. Rebecca Blair was a constant menace on the right wing and she linked up well with Johnson and Gill Jones further forward.

Wrexham were pressed high up in their defensive 16-yard line and Oldham deservedly got their second when Howard received the ball on the left and spun the first defender before beating three more and the Wrexham 'keeper.

The hosts played out the game with keep-ball to remain fourth, five points off top spot.

Team -

S Simpson (GK), F Lees, DM Ward (C), A Broadbent, A Smith, Y Jackson, R Johnson, R Blair, J Perry, L Howard, K Rowley, G Jones.

On Sunday, Oldham reached the quarter-finals of the Greater Manchester Hockey League (Women's) All Divisional Cup with a second round 2-0 victory at Prescot.

They played the same formation with a slightly different squad and got off to a good start with two strikes, from Lisa Meanock and Yvonne Jackson, finding the net from penalty corners.

Oldham were on the back foot in the second half as Prescot applied the pressure. Some good defending from the back line and great saves from keeper Simpson ensured progress to the quarter-finals.

Team -

S Simpson (GK), F Lees, J Perry, K Faulkner, R Barrett, DM Ward, A Broadbent, L Meanock, Y Jackson, R Johnson, D Rawlinson, K Rowley.

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