Howard strike isn’t enough for Oldham

OLDHAM’S first team slipped to a 2-1 home defeat against Bowdon in their latest North Women’s Hockey League Division Two South-West encounter.

The visitors took an early lead when a powerful cross/shot from the right evaded a number of Bowdon players, only for Emma Burns to inadvertently put the ball into her own net.

Louise Howard levelled matters before the interval, taking a pass just inside the ‘D’ before smashing home into the bottom left-hand corner.

The second half was very even, until the latter stages when Bowdon sensed a chance to gain the three points.

Oldham struggled to maintain long periods of possession and passing accuracy.

Bowdon did make a short corner count and a well-worked move resulted in a goal for the away side.

Oldham attacked until the end, but poor finishing and a disappointing final ball let them down as Bowdon held on for the win.

Oldham play top-of-the-table Wilmslow in their next outing.

Team: Simpson (GK), Burns, Lees (Captain), Broadbent, Onuoha, Smith, Y Jackson, Johnson, Blair, Howard, Rowley, Ward, Rawlinson.

OLDHAM thirds lost 7-3 in an All Divisions Cup tie against Prescot.

With Prescot playing three divisions above Oldham, it was always going to be a tough game.