Faulkner goal the icing on Oldham’s cake
Date published: 24 February 2016
JUBILANT Oldham Ladies Hockey Club’s second team have the Greater Manchester Hockey Association Division One Cup final to prepare for next month.
A superb 3-1, last-four victory over City of Manchester firsts has set-up an eagerly-awaited showdown with Didsbury Greys seconds.
Oldham were excellent, with Lorna McGuiness and Laura Rice showing great speed and skill on the wing.
It was McGuiness who put her side ahead, before Lisa Meanock made it two from a difficult angle.
City of Manchester reduced the deficit, but Oldham sealed victory with defender Kasia Faulkner firing home.
BEATEN 4-2 at home by high-flying Wilmslow, the club’s first team felt the scoreline did not reflect the balance of play in this North Hockey Division Two South-West clash.
Full of confidence after back-to-back victories last weekend, the hosts flew out of the traps at Newman College. Oldham went one-up when Karen Rowley, after a penetrating run, fed Rebecca Blair, who lifted the ball high into the net.
Louise Howard then hit the woodwork, but her side were guilty of giving the ball away too cheaply and Wilmslow restored parity after the initial effort was blocked by ’keeper Sarah Simpson.
Oldham suffered a body blow before the break when Wilmslow added a second goal against the run of play.
The visitors stepped up a gear after the restart and scored two quick goals to leave Oldham with a mountain to climb. Howard was denied by a brilliant one-handed save from a short corner, but they did pull a goal back, Rowley slotting home after Jordanna Rawlinson’s shot was pushed away.
Daisy May Way, at centre back, was Oldham’s star player with some fine tackles and clearances.
Oldham: Simpson (GK), Lees (C), Ward. Onuoha, Y Jackson, Johnson, Rawlinson, F Barlow, Blair, Howard, Rowley, Jones.
OLDHAM’S third team were handed a 1-0 lead in this Greater Manchester Hockey Association Division One fixture after opponents University of Salford arrived late.
Leaders Salford drew level before half-time, but they could not find another way through as Oldham stood firm.
Sweeper Sarah Lord produced a commanding display, while Debra Allcock shone in midfield.
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