Defeat at the double for hockey first team

LOUISE HOWARD

A HAT-TRICK from Louise Howard failed to help Oldham Ladies Hockey Club firsts to victory at home to Bolton Hockey Club, who had been level on points at the start of play.

Early on Oldham were indebted to player of the day goalkeeper Sarah Simpson, who was outstanding before Howard put them ahead with a tap-in.

Bolton were shell-shocked and conceded a second with Howard again on target in the North Hockey League Division Two South-West clash.

The visitors pulled one back to trail 2-1 at the interval.

Gill Jones shot just wide before Bolton levelled when a penalty corner evaded Simpon.

Howard completed her hat-trick with an assist from Yvonne Jackson.

Dannie Rawlinson almost put Oldham further ahead, but the Bolton goalkeeper smothered the shot.

The visitors drew level then grabbed a winner as Oldham slipped to fifth in the table.

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

Oldham suffered a 4-0 defeat at top-of-the-table Deeside Ramblers in a rearranged fixture 24 hours later.

Howard hit a post and although Oldham played better than the previous day, Deeside proved a cut above.

Team: S Simpson (GK), K Faulkner, A Broadbent, DM Ward (C), A Smith, Y Jackson, R Johnson, D Rawlinson, R Blair, L Howard, K Rowley, F Lees.

Oldham seconds clinched a 1-0 victory at home to Didsbury fourths in a bottom-of-the table encounter in the Greater Manchester Women's Hockey Division One.

The home side started positively and took an early lead through by Deb Allcock after an assist by captain Lisa Meanock.

A fantastic defensive performance by Sally Booth, Ria Barrett, Donna Tindall and Sue Bratt the kept the visitors at bay.

Team: J Green (GK) S Bratt, S Booth, R Barrett, D Tindall, H Jackson, D Allcock, L McGuinness, O Perry, J Perry, L Meanock (C)

On Saturday Oldham firsts travel to Didsbury Greys seconds (2pm) and Oldham seconds visit City of Manchester firsts (10am) at the Armitage Centre. On Sunday, Oldham thirds face University of Manchester fourths (1pm) at the Armitage Centre.