Oldham earn draw after tough start

SCORER . . . Rachael Johnson's goal earned Oldham a point

OLDHAM Ladies Hockey Club firsts failed to get back to winning ways as they drew 1-1 against Didsbury Greys 2 in the North Hockey League Division Two South-West.

Under new stewardship of coach Chris Dean, Oldham were trying to adapt to a new formation and system of play.

However, they started poorly and looked short of confidence, while Didsbury tried to play on the counter with direct balls into the two forwards.

The pitch did not help matters as it was very sandy and slow, suiting Didsbury while Oldham could not play their quick passing game.

However, Oldham had a chance to take the lead as the Didsbury goalkeeper saved forward Louise Howard's initial strike, but then barged into her and a penalty stroke was awarded.

Karen Rowley stepped up but her effort was saved by the keeper's pads.

Oldham improved but the final ball often went astray and the Didsbury keeper was in form, saving a couple of Oldham efforts.

The visitors were not at their best and grew more frustrated as the half wore on and the half petered out goalless.

A few cards were shown and sin bins awarded either way.

There was little improvement for Oldham in the second half even though they enjoyed all the possession.

They tried to play their passing game but chances went begging and Didsbury scored against the run of play following a quick break. Sarah Simpson made the initial save, but a deflection beat her at the second time of asking.

Oldham didn't give up and Howard scored a looped reverse goal, but the umpire disallowed it for dangerous play, much to Oldham's dismay.

The visitors finally drew level deservedly following a short corner that Rachael Johnson fired in.

And they could have won it at the death but a ball by Fran Lees didn't get enough purchase on it by Karen Rowley and the keeper saved with her feet.

Oldham felt flat but at least did earn a point as they continue to try to understand and execute a new formation and way of playing.

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



Nail-biting victory

OLDHAM Seconds secured a much-needed three points in a nail-biting encounter with higher opposition City Of Manchester 1 at the Armitage Centre.

Oldham took an early lead with a cheeky finish by Rachel Cherryholme.

Two further goals followed by captain Lisa Meanock and a second-half penalty corner conversion by on-fire Deb Allcock.

City of Manchester came back into the game scoring three scrappy goals. But Oldham dug in hard and managed to steal the winner with two minutes to go with a finish by Lorna McGuinness.

Team: J Green (gk) S Bratt, S Booth, D Tindall, R Barrett, L McGuinness, O Perry, G Jones, E Burns, D Allcock, L Meanock (C) R Cherryholme, H Jackson.



Comfortable win

OLDHAM Thirds battled well to inflict a 3-0 defeat on Manchester University 4 in a game they were desperate to win in the Greater Manchester Division Three.

Oldham started strongly and dominated possession throughout the game. Two first-half goals from Karen Lord and Debs Allcock gave Oldham a comfortable lead at half-time.

After the break Oldham gained more possession and created some fantastic moves.

Team: A Chadwick (gk) J Cooper, S Bratt, S Booth, S Lord, L Boon, J Hargreaves, K Lord, D Allcock, L Bates (C), S Kennedy.