Onuoha’s late show-stopper

CHIDI Onuoha struck a last-gasp goal as Oldham Ladies Hockey Club claimed a well-deserved 2-2 draw at Bowdon in North Hockey Division Two South-West.

With confidence restored after a clutch of much-improved displays, the visitors flew out of the traps and took an early lead. Quick-thinking by from Onuoha resulted in a free hit being played upfield to Karen Rowley.

She skilfully beat her Bowdon marker and left the ’keeper rooted to the spot with an aerial shot at goal, where Louise Howard volleyed home just in front of the goal line.

With the Cheshire outfit defending stoutly, Oldham were unable to double their lead — skipper Fran Lees forced a great save — and were punished on the break.

Both sides were eager to attack at every opportunity, which made for an entertaining second half.

Despite some good interplay between the forward players and several short corners, Oldham attempts to retake the lead were thwarted.

The local side was stunned when Bowdon nosed ahead, but continued to battle. Rowley was denied by two excellent saves, while player-of-the-match Onuoha made some astute tackles and forays forward.

Sarah Simpson, in the Oldham goal, made a brilliant one-handed stick to deny Bowdon.

Oldham finally got the goal they deserved in the dying stages, Rowley lifting the ball into the ‘D’, where Onuoha was waiting to smash home, again on the volley.