Match Reports

LEICESTER CITY WFC 3 ROCHDALE AFC LADIES 0

 

A free kick well taken by Katie Lowder and a goal in each half from Issy Hayes gave the home side 3 points and left Rochdale still not assured of league safety in this the 20111/12 campaign.

 

The opening period was fairly even with Lizzie Hamer heading over a Sophie Riley cross and a Leicester free kick taken by their new signing Jade Radburn being cleared. Steph Bell then headed wide a Riley free kick with Riley’s subsequent free kick going wide. Her next effort bounced over the bar with Dale keeper Holly Newman then gathering a Lowder effort. Lowder made no mistake however with her free kick in the 18th minute to give her side a 1-0 lead. Dale tried to respond from a Jones free kick which was cleared for a corner, headed goal bound by Traynor and Bell but to no avail.

On 37 minutes Traynor headed over a Riley free kick with the final significant action of the half being the conversion of a penalty by City’s Hayes which gave her side a 2-0 advantage at the interval.

 

Into the second period Leicester pressed to extend their advantage. A succession of corners were dealt with by the Dale backline but on 55 minutes Hayes obtained her brace firing home from a ball headed back to her. Destiney Toussaint then headed over with Radburn shooting wide. Patrice Shirley then shot on target for Dale and in the 30th minute of the half Michelle Walsh forced Van de Weerdhof into an excellent save tipping her effort away for a corner.

 

Toussaint then made way for Vicky Westerman with Ireson replacing Jones. Vicky Gallagher for the home side then hit the crossbar with Riley for Dale having the last shot of the game which unfortunately went wide. In the closing minutes Claire Lester replaced Radburn.

 

The score therefore was 3-0 with Leicester maintaining their title hopes and Rochdale still needing to obtain something from their final two games.

Leicester City WFC Nicola Van de Weerdhof, Annabel Johnson, Natalie Johnson, Jade Radburn, Katie McLoughlin, Sammy Morris, Katie Lowder, Destiney Toussaint, Issy Hayes, Vicky Gallagher, Shona Franklin

Subs – Leah Rawle, Natalie Reay, Vicky Westerman, Claire Lester, Millie Bailey

Rochdale AFC Ladies Holly Newman, Jo Traynor, Sophie Riley, Claire Harrop, Sarah Jones, Lyndsey Burtonwood, Steph Bell, Michelle Walsh, Lizzie Hamer, Patrice Shirley, Siobhan Mcelhinney.

Subs – Nic Ireson

 

ROCHDALE AFC LADIES 2 ROTHERHAM UNITED LADIES FC 1

 

Rochdale claimed all three points in this vital clash despite the visitors going ahead, Steph Bell equalised with Sophie Riley obtaining the decisive goal in the dying minutes.

 

The game started fairly evenly with neither side creating an opening. An early stoppage in play was needed following an ankle injury to Liz House. This resulted in her being substituted with Lyndsey Burtonwood taking to the field of play.

 

On 20 minutes Rotherham’s Kirsty Richardson struck a powerful effort blocked by Jo Traynor. A Paige Crossman corner was then dealt with by the Dale backline.

 

At the other end Stacey Daniel produced a shot on target gathered by Charlotte Whiteley. Whiteley was then alert to meet a Michelle Walsh ball played through for Daniel. Subsequently Daniel did well to keep the ball in play, her pass to Ali Hastie forcing Whiteley into a good save.

Nicky Davies in the home goal was then forced into action coming out to clear a through ball played for Natalie Shaw, Claire Harrop then did well to force Rotherham into shooting wide.

During the eight minutes of stoppage time Lizzie Hamer and Hastie both had opportunities but unfortunately shot wide and over with Daniel also seeing an effort cleared off the line.

 

After the break Walsh saw her effort blocked and Daniel shot wide with Vicky Charnley & Steph Bell both heading over Hastie corners.

 

Just before the hour Rotherham had a spell of pressure with Shaw first shooting over and then Davies saving brilliantly when faced with a 1 on 1 situation. Stacey Aisthorpe then tested Davies from distance.

Bell then shot over after Dale had pressurised in the visitor’s box and then saw her effort hit the post when Whiteley spilled a Riley free kick.

 

On 70 minutes the deadlock was finally broken in the visitors favour with Shaw meeting a Grace John cross. Their lead was however short lived with Bell following up a parry by Whiteley from Riley’s effort.

The persistent Shaw again found herself 1 on 1 with Davies who prevented the visitors from taking the lead again.

 

Grace John then made way for Beth Smith with 15 minutes remaining. Carla Baxby then found her name in the referee’s notebook.

With 5 or so minutes remaining Davies was alert to gather in front of Aisthorpe with Dale then making a substitution, Sarah Jones replacing Claire Harrop in the backline.

With only a couple of minutes left on the clock Riley, much to the delight of her teammates and the home support, fired home to give Dale a 2-1 lead . The home side saw out injury time to take all three points and now need 2 points from their final 4 games to be certain of maintaining their status at this level.

 

They are next in action in the League Cup with an away fixture against Manchester City.

 

Rochdale AFC Ladies

Nicky Davies, Jo Traynor, Sophie Riley, Claire Harrop, Lizzie House, Vicky Charnley, Steph Bell, Michelle Walsh, Ali Hastie, Lizzie Hamer, Stacey Daniel.

Subs – Sarah Jones, Lyndsey Burtonwood, Siobhan Mcelhinney. Kim Seddon, Ashley Grindrod

 

Rotherham United

Charlotte Whiteley, Nicola Stray, Shelley Futter, Rachael Rutherford, Sarah Saxon, Grace John, Carla Baxby, Kirsty Richardson, Paige Crossman, Stacey Aisthorpe, Natalie Shaw

Subs Beth Smith, Hayley Wood

 

PNEWFC 2 ROCHDALE AFC LADIES 1

 

The two teams met for the second time in a week having played midweek in the League Cup competition. This fixture had resulted in a 4-2 victory for North End with Ali Hastie scoring for Dale, their other goal being courtesy of an opposition defender.

Gemma Watson, Jenna Carroll and Alice Forshaw with a brace had been on target for the Lilywhites.

 

In this league encounter North End got off to the best possible start with striker Sam Cadwallader opening the scoring with just 8 minutes on the clock. Emily Hutton extended the lead early in the second half with Steph Bell obtaining a late consolation goal for Dale.

 

The game started evenly but North End soon had the upper hand when right winger Melissa Ball crossed for Cadwallader to fire home. Steph Bell then fired on target and wide with a Taberner free kick for the home side being cleared by Dale. On 23 minutes Emily Hutton forced Dale keeper Entwistle to tip clear for a corner which was headed wide by the North End captain Berry. At half time the home side therefore maintained their 1-0 advantage.

 

At the interval Wendy Booth replaced the injured Bailey. With only 3 minutes gone Hutton extended the lead running some distance with the ball before firing across Entwistle.

On 52 minutes Riley’s free kick was safely gathered by Le Gros in the home goal. A Dale corner was then cleared by the home defence after somewhat of a scramble.

 

Just after the hour mark Stacey Daniels took to the field of play replacing Siobhan McElhinney,. The team then went to a 4-4-2 formation in search of a goal to get back into the game with Daniels joining the hard working Shirley up front, Bell and Walsh working the central midfield area. A Vicky Charnley header went wide of the mark from a Jones corner with a Burtonwood free kick being cleared. Despite now pressurising the North End backline Dale could not find a breakthrough but came close on 75 minutes when Riley’s free kick hit the crossbar then bounced to safety. Daniels then headed wide. Hamer and Traynor both tested Le Gros but it was five minutes before time when she was beaten with Bell’s shot from distance finding the net. Dale searched for an equaliser and a share of the points with Hamer’s cross being met by Jones who saw her effort go over. With the referee blowing the final whistle Dale were left disappointed not to have got something from the game and must now look towards the bottom of the table clash next weekend against Rotherham.

 

Preston North End WFC – Sophie Le Gros, Jenny Wooton, Vikki Eastwood, Alison Taberner, Jenna Carroll, Melissa Ball, Emily Hutton, Carla Cleworth, Sam Cadwallader, Hannah Bailey, Sarah Berry.

Subs – Wendy Booth, Becci McGrath, Olivia Millington, Kerry Nickson.

 

Rochdale AFC Ladies – Naomi Entwistle, Joanne Traynor, Vicky Charnley, Sophie Riley, Lyndsey Burtonwood, Siobhan McElhinney, Michelle Walsh, Steph Bell, Sarah Jones, Patrice Shirley, Lizzie Hamer

Subs – Kim Seddon, Ashley Grindrod, Stacey Daniels.

 

PREMIER LEAGUE CUP GROUP 1

 

Blackburn Rovers LFC 3 Rochdale AFC Ladies 0

 

In the first game of the group stages Dale were drawn away at Blackburn Rovers but unfortunately lost by 3 goals to nil. A Kim Turner strike separated the sides at the interval with Nicki Twohig extending the lead from the penalty spot 10 minutes after the break. The third goal came in the dying minutes through Rovers captain Hannah Forster.

 

Rovers started the game very strongly. Nicki Davies in the Dale goal was called upon to make numerous saves within the opening 20 minutes with Lagan Makin, Danielle Sheen and Forster all testing her. She also saved a Lizzie Ince penalty after Sarah Jones was adjudged by the referee to have handled in the area. Dale captain Jo Traynor also played her part with a last ditch tackle to deny Katie Anderton the opportunity of shooting.

On 25 minutes Dale did get an opening but Ali Hastie saw her effort go wide. On the half hour mark Jones played a ball through to Hastie forcing Krystal Parker in the home goal to clear for a corner. A subsequent corner was struck by Hastie from the edge of the box but the crossbar prevented the visitors from opening the scoring with Rovers managing to clear from the ensuing goal mouth scramble.

 

Rovers continued to search for the opening goal and this came in the 41st minute when Anderton picked out the unmarked Turner at the back post with her cross.

 

At the interval Seddon & Grindrod made way for Burtonwood and Harrop with House being given a more attacking role. Blackburn however extended their lead 10 minutes into the half following the award of another penalty taken this time by Twohig who made no mistake in firing past Davies.

Nichol Forster for the home side then replaced Makin with Patrice Shirley replacing House for Dale and Anderton making way for ex Dale player Savage.

 

In the 80th minute Traynor headed a corner towards goal but it was safely gathered by Parker.

Blackburn then made their final change, Charlotte Heyes replacing Pennington.

A Sophie Riley free kick was cleared by the Blackburn backline just before Rovers scored their final goal – the home captain Forster finishing following Sheen’s run down the wing. Dale make a return to league action next weekend with a visit to the current leaders Leicester. Willoughby and the management team would hope to obtain something from the game in their quest to retain current league status.

Rochdale AFC Ladies – Nicky Davies, Jo Traynor, Sophie Riley, Ashleigh Grindrod, Elizabeth House, Steph Bell, Sarah Jones, Michelle Walsh , Ali Hastie, Lizzie Hamer, & Kim Seddon

Subs , Rachel Nolan, Patrice Shirley,Claire Harrop & Lyndsey Burtonwood

Blackburn Rovers LFC –Krystal Parker, Gail Pennington, Dan Cox, Nicola Twohig, Dan Oates, Lizzie Ince, Hannah Forster, Kim Turner, Lagan Makin, Dan Sheen, Katie Anderton.

Subs –   Charlotte Heyes, Keeleigh Savage & Nichol Forster.

ROCHDALE AFC LADIES 1 DERBY COUNTY LFC 3

 

 

Against the team just about them in the league Dale hoped to add to their points tally but unfortunately lost by 3 goals to 1. Dale right back Sarah Jones gave the visitors an early lead when her attempted clearance hit the back of the net. At the interval the visitors still maintained the 1-0 advantage which they doubled just before the hour mark through Precious Hamilton. Dale’s captain Jo Traynor gave her side a lifeline with her goal just before full time but the game was finished with an injury time effort from the opposing captain Sam Griffiths to give County a 3-1 win.

 

 

The first opportunity of the game fell to the home side with Alyson Hastie’s shot going wide. In the 6th minute the visitors took the lead through Jones. Traynor then saw her header go wide from Sophie Riley’s free kick. Naomi Entwistle in the home goal then gathered a Griffiths cross. After 15 minutes Patrice Shirley’s effort across the box went wide of the goal. A succession of Dale free kicks were all dealt with by the Derby backline. On 20 minutes Jones played a ball across the box which Hastie was unfortunate not to reach. Rachel Nolan then forced visiting keeper Rachal Graham to parry her effort for a corner. Derby then had a couple of opportunities with Traynor dealing with a dangerous cross and a corner eventually being cleared following a goal mouth scramble. Just before the interval Entwistle kept Dale in the game producing two outstanding saves. It was therefore to remain 1-0 at the half time whistle.

 

 

Into the second half County had the ball in the back of the net through Cara Newton but the referee rightly disallowed following a foul on Traynor. On the hour mark Hamilton did however extend the lead.

Dale kept searching for an elusive goal to get back into the game with Nolan playing a ball through for Shirley which was just gathered in time by Graham. Steph Bell for Dale then replaced Siobhan McElhinney in centre midfield. Nolan then shot wide with Newton & Kilmartin doing the same for the visitors.

 

Into the last 15 minutes Entwistle again produced a great save dealing with a Kilmartin corner. With only about 5 minutes of normal time remaining Dale captain Traynor reduced the deficit following good build up play from Jones & Nolan but the final goal came into injury time with Griffiths free kick from just outside the box hitting the top corner of the net.

It was therefore a disappointing result for Dale who had opportunities to obtain something from the game. Next week sees them in action away at Bamber Bridge FC – home to Preston North End WFC

 

Rochdale – Naomi Entwistle, Sarah Jones, Jo Traynor, Sophie Riley, Nic Ireson, Lizzie Hamer, Siobhan McElhinney, Michelle Walsh, Ali Hastie, Rachel Nolan, Patrice Shirley. Subs – Liz House, Steph Bell.

Derby County LFC – Rachal Graham, Sam Griffiths, Marie Wayne, Hannah Baines, Precious Hamilton, Cara Newton, Farrah Walker, Rebecca Bryan, Suzanne Hart, Hannah Ward, Michelle Kilmartin. Sub Nicole Ledgister.

FA Cup 2nd Round

 

Rochdale AFC Ladies 1 Blackburn Rovers Ladies 2

 

Rochdale had home advantage against fellow Northern division side Blackburn Rovers. Having drawn the league fixture 1-1 at the beginning of November a close encounter was anticipated. The visitors took the lead after 20 minutes through Nichol Forster with Dale immediately responding through Ali Hastie. The scores were level at the interval with Rovers getting the decisive goal on 78 minutes – substitute Charlotte Heyes free kick finding the back of the net off the post.

 

Rovers started with intent with Dale keeper Nicky Davies called to smother an early opportunity. Hastie for the home side produced a shot on target before Michelle Walsh forced a save from visiting keeper Krystal Parker. On 12 minutes a Sarah Jones strike from distance hit the crossbar and bounced down but judged by the officials to be the wrong side of the goal line. Steph Bell then shot on target. On 20 minutes the deadlock was broken in favour of the visitors with Forster heading home a cross past Davies. Their lead was however short lived. A Jones free kick was headed clear by Rovers to the feet of Hastie who fired home to provide the equaliser.

 

Both sides had limited opportunities for the remainder of the half with the score remaining at 1-1 at the break.

At the start of the second half Heyes replaced Gail Pennington in the Rovers backline. Rovers had the first corner of the half but their captain Hannah Forster could only find the side netting. Bell then played a good ball through for Hastie which was bravely gathered by Parker before Dale could capitalise.

On 52 minutes Rachel Nolan replaced Lizzie Hamer. Sophie Riley then saw her free kick gathered with Heyes for the visitors shooting over. Davies then gathered a Dan Sheen cross. Just after the hour Dale managed to clear a Rovers corner after somewhat of a goalmouth scramble. Forster then attempted to obtain her brace but could only head wide Sheen’s cross. Lizzie Ince then shot wide.

 

With 15 minutes remaining Claire Harrop made way for Siobhan McElhinney

 

Davies then claimed a Heyes free kick but a subsequent effort from Heyes seemed to elude everyone hitting the post before going into the net. 2-1 to the visitors.

Despite Dale’s best efforts including Captain Jo Traynor moving into the forward line they could not find the equaliser to force the tie into extra time with the visitors progressing to the third round.

Rochdale AFC Ladies – Nicky Davies, Jo Traynor, Sophie Riley, Claire Harrop, Lyndsey Burtonwood, Steph Bell, Sarah Jones, Michelle Walsh , Ali Hastie, Lizzie Hamer, & Patrice Shirley.

Subs –. Siobhan McElhinney , Rachel Nolan, Natalie Metcalf, Becky Leonard & Parris Welsh

 

Blackburn Rovers LFC –Krystal Parker, Gail Pennington, Dan Cox, Carmel Bennett, Dan Oates, Lizzie Ince, Hannah Forster, Kim Turner, , Lagan Makin, Dan Sheen, Nichol Forster.

 

Subs – Charlotte Heyes, Katy Morris, Jasmine Elliot & Abi Hart.

SPORTING CLUB ALBION LFC 4 ROCHDALE AFC LADIES 0

 

Rochdale travelled to the Midlands hoping to add to their points tally following obtaining a hard earned draw last time out against Blackburn Rovers. The trip however was to result in a 4-0 defeat with two first half goals from Tash Baptiste and two further goals just before the final whistle. By obtaining the three points Albion were to take over as leaders of the division albeit on goal difference.

 

Due to injuries and unavailability Ange Willoughby made changes to the squad who could have had an opportunity to take the lead within the first 10 minutes had the referee awarded the due penalty for the handball offence in the box, his assistant initially appeared to flag for the incident but then changed her decision.   A ball from Lizzie Hamer for Rachel Nolan then forced the home keeper Bec Thomas into clearing for a corner.

On 15 minutes Albion’s Ashleigh Neville shot over with Sophie Riley’s free kick for Dale going wide of the target.

On 20 minutes Albion opened the scoring a ball played through for Baptiste hit the back of the net despite Nicky Davies’ best attempts to smother the opportunity the competent striker managed to find the target.

Another Dale free kick saw Thomas save.

Just after the half hour mark Baptiste got her second beating the attempted offside trap to finish past Davies.

With the 2 goal advantage Albion grew in confidence and searched to extend their lead with Robyn James shot being gathered and her subsequent attempt going over.

Before the interval Dale had a succession of free kicks but couldn’t capitalise although one Riley effort did strike the cross bar.

At half time Claire Harrop left the field to be replaced by Nic Ireson. James then found her name in the referee’s notebook.

Twelve minutes in an Albion corner was headed wide with Riley & Sarah Jones’ free kicks both being dealt with by the Albion squad. A Jones corner was then claimed by Thomas in the home goal. Dale keeper Davies then kept them in the game producing a brilliant save from Abby Pope.

On 70 minutes James made way for Siobhan Hodgetts. Baptiste’s header looked to have won her the match ball but for another good save from Davies. Lyndsey Burtonwood then played her part in forcing the persistent Baptiste to shoot over.

The referee’s book was again out for Albion’s Jamie Fowler with Gemma Clarke then coming to the field of play. Rachel Nolan was to shoot wide and Jones and Riley both attempted to make an impact with their free kicks but to no avail. Davies then again did brilliantly coming off the winner in a 1 on 1 with Neville.

With 5 minutes of normal time remaining Parris Welsh replaced Nat Metcalfe. Into stoppage time Albion were to obtain two further goals through Neville’s header and the final goal just before the whistle from a corner with Dale not able to clear their lines. The last event of significance before the referee blew saw further entry’s in his notebook, Neville for Albion and Riley for Dale.

A disappointing 4-0 defeat following a very physical encounter Dale will look to obtain points in their next game when Derby County are our visitors.

 

Sporting Club Albion LFC – Bec Thomas, Kelly Darby, Alice Broadbent, Kirstie Bavington, Amy Rippington, Emily Owen, Jamie Fowler, Ashleigh Neville, Robyn James, Tash Baptiste, Abby Pope.

Subs – Sophie Richards, Lyndsey Glover, Siobhan Hodgetts, Laura MacQuilkin, Gemma Clarke.

 

Rochdale AFC Ladies – Nicky Davies, Claire Harrop, Jo Traynor, Sophie Riley, Lyndsey Burtonwood, Lizzie Hamer, Sarah Jones, Nat Metcalfe, Siobhan Mcelhinney, Ashley Grindrod, Rachel Nolan.

Subs – Nicola Ireson, Holly Newman, Parris Welsh, Becky Leonard, Georgia Stanworth.

ROCHDALE AFC LADIES 1 BLACKBURN ROVERS LFC 1

 

Rochdale obtained a deserved point thanks to a last minute equaliser from a Sophie Riley free kick, Rovers having taken the lead early in the second half through Lagan Makin.

 

The visitors started strongly with Lizzie Ince & Makin both shooting wide and Nicky Davies in the home goal then gathering a Makin shot. Dale’s Lyndsey Burtonwood then cleared a Rovers free kick.

 

On 17 minutes Patrice Shirley for Dale managed to cross but unfortunately nobody was able to capitalise. The home side then felt that striker Rachel Nolan was pushed in the area but the claim for a penalty was dismissed by referee Stone.

A Rovers free kick taken by Nicola Twohig was safely gathered by Davies.

 

On 27th minutes Riley’s free kick rattled the crossbar with the visitors somehow managing to clear from the goalmouth scramble that ensued.

 

On the half hour mark the alert Davies forced Rovers captain Hannah Forster to shoot wide of the target. Rovers continued in search of the opening goal and were awarded a number of corners but were unable to find the target with the home back line defending well. A ball over the top for Kim Turner was then dealt with by the two centre backs Riley & Jo Traynor.

On 35 minutes Dale had another opportunity with Shirley winning a free kick. Alyson Hastie’s effort was played into the box with Rovers again managing to clear from a packed goalmouth. Traynor then headed wide with Hastie’s shot being blocked by the Blackburn defence.

 

Forster then played a good ball through for Dan Sheen but her shot across goal went wide.

It was therefore to remain 0-0 at the interval.

 

Rovers came out to the second half with determination and took just 5 minutes to take the lead. Ex Dale player Rachael Wood crossed for Lagan Makin to fire home.

 

Willoughby then introduced Sarah Jones for Steph Bell to join Siobhan Mcelhinney in the centre of the park with Hastie and Lizzie Hamer down the flanks.

Just before the hour mark Traynor was again called into action dealing efficiently with a dangerous cross.

 

At the other end Nolan crossed to Hastie but unfortunately her shot went over.

 

Rovers searched to extend their lead but Dale again dealt with their threats on Davies’ gaol.

 

On 72 minutes the Blackburn manger Scott Rogers replaced Wood with Keeleigh Savage, Dale making a substitution five minutes later Nic Ireson replacing Claire Harrop.

 

Davies then produced an excellent save to prevent Sheen from scoring when through 1 on 1. Sheen was then to head over from a Makin corner.

As the final whistle approached Ince was judged by the referee to have handled the ball. Riley stepped up to take the free kick and fired the ball home much to the delight of her teammates and the home support. With Stone blowing the whistle Dale had obtained a hard fought but justified point. Manager Willoughby was understandably proud of the team.

 

 

Rochdale AFC Ladies – Nicky Davies, Jo Traynor, Sophie Riley, Claire Harrop, Lyndsey Burtonwood, Steph Bell, Patrice Shirely, Siobhan Mcelhinney. Ali Hastie, Lizzie Hamer, Rachel Nolan.

Subs – Sarah Jones, Nic Ireson & Holly Newman.

Blackburn Rovers LFC – Jaz Elliott, Gail Pennington, Dan Cox, Nicola Twohig, Dan Oates, Lizzie Ince, Hannah Forster, Kim Turner, Rachael Wood, Lagan Makin, Dan Sheen.

 

Subs – Keeleigh Savage, Rachael Foxley & Nicky Shirtcliffe.

 

Referee Peter Stone

Assistants Tim Buckley & Mike Wilmore.

 

MANCHESTER CITY LFC 2 ROCHDALE AFC LADIES 0

 

Sports City, Manchester was the venue for the clubs second meeting of the season, Rochdale having won their home fixture by 1 goal to nil.

 

A penalty just before half time and an early second half goal secured the points for the home side that had a 2 player advantage for the whole of the second half, Rochdale having seen two of their team dismissed before the interval.

 

City started strongly with Krystle Johnson shooting wide and Amanda Goodwin over in the opening 10 minutes. Dale’s first corner was initially cleared before Rachel Nolan shot over. On 18 minutes Chantelle Parry’s shot was gathered by Danni Brown in the home goal. Nicky Davies was then tested by Johnson with Claire Harrop finding her name in the referee’s notebook on the half hour mark.

 

On 34 minutes following a discussion between the referee and her assistant Parry became the first recipient of a red card – it later transpired that this was for her inappropriate use of language. A yellow card was then produced to City’s Rebecca Lee.

 

Dale’s numbers were reduced further in the 43rd minute when Harrop as last player was judged to have impeded the City striker. City captain Lindsay Savage dispatched the resultant penalty to give her team a 1-0 advantage at the whistle.

 

At half time Dale Manager Willoughby replaced Nic Ireson with Ashley Grindrod. Saffron Jordan came on for City. A Dale corner taken by Lizzie Hamer was initially cleared with Michelle Walsh’s effort then over. Walsh then made way for Sarah Jones with Lyndsey Burtonwood replacing Nolan.

 

The home side were soon to extend their lead a Sarah Buffel ball across the box fired home by Johnson.

City searched to add to their tally with Buffel shooting on target and Savage over. A number of corners were also dealt with proficiently by the Dale team.

On 69 minutes Hamer for Dale played through for sole striker Malpus but unfortunately her effort was saved by Brown.

At the other end the whole team defended well to ensure that city did not extend their lead further.

Leigh Wood, home manager, replaced Johnston with Becky Grocott with 20 minutes to go with Grocott soon involved shooting on target from a Jordan pass.

Nicky Davies then produced a fine save on 72 minutes after the initial effort from the corner had been cleared by Traynor. The save of the game was however made on 80 minutes with Davies preventing Savage from obtaining her brace. In the meantime Wood had made his final substitution with Kelly McLellan taking to the field of play.

Dale dealt with all subsequent attacks to make the final score 2-0 with an admirable performance from the 9 players against a strong City team.

 

Manchester City – Danni Brown, Felicity Middleton, Chelsea Nightingale, Abbie McManus, Niki Harding, Danni Young, Amanda Goodwin, Rebecca Lee, Lindsay Savage (Capt), Krystle Johnson, Sarah Buffel. Subs- Kelly McLellan, Charlotte Farrell, Saffron Jordan, Becky Grocott.

 

Rochdale – Nicky Davis, Jo Traynor, Sophie Riley, Claire Harrop, Nic Ireson, Steph Bell, Jade Malpus, Michelle Walsh, Chantelle Parry, Lizzie Hamer, Rachel Nolan. Subs – Lyndsey Burtonwood, Sarah Jones, Faye McCoy, Patrice Shirley, Ashley Grindrod.

Rochdale AFC Ladies 8 Leeds City Vixens LFC 1

 

Following the defeat at Blackburn at the beginning of September Dale picked up a point with a 0-0 draw in the home tie against Sporting Albion. A trip to Derby saw an unfortunate 2-1 defeat with Michelle Walsh the goal scorer for Dale. A home tie against Preston North End saw a 1-0 defeat with the trip to Sheffield also ending in defeat by 3 goals to 1.

Dale therefore looked to obtain some points with the visit of Leeds Vixens having won the reverse fixture 3-1.

 

Despite having the majority of the play it was not until the 18th minute that Michelle Walsh’s effort from distance beat Sonia Holland in the Vixens goal. Rachel Nolan for Dale tested the keeper but it was 31 minutes before the lead was extended further. A foul on Lizzie Hamer saw Mercede Riolfo in the referee’s book. From the resultant Chantelle Parry free kick Sophie Riley headed home. Walsh then capitalised on a mistake by a Leeds defender but saw her effort hit the post before rolling to safety. Walsh however did obtain her brace on 38 minutes latching on to a Parry cross. Walsh and Jade Malpus had further efforts before the interval but the score was to remain at 3-0.

 

Into the second half Jo Traynor had the first effort with her header being cleared off the line. Naomi Entwistle in the Dale goal then cleared a Sarah Dickens effort for a corner which came in low and was cleared off the line by Liz House on the post. On 48 minutes Dale’s Lizzie Hamer crossed to Nolan who played in her strike partner Malpus to finish.

Sarah Jones replaced Walsh on 52 minutes. A 5-0 score line was achieved a couple of minutes later Riley again heading home from a Parry free kick. Parry herself then got on the score sheet with a header from an accurate Nic Ireson pass. Steph Bell then tested the Vixens keeper with her effort being parried for a corner. Just after the hour mark Malpus obtained her second of the game – a Parry cross was met at the far post by Nolan who again played in for the finish.

 

 

Malpus and Nolan then made way for Patrice Shirley and Faye McCoy with McCoy soon involved in the action shooting just over from a Parry corner. Riley was then unlucky not to obtain her hat trick when her shot from a Parry corner was cleared for a further corner.

Despite the score line Vixens never gave up and their perseverance was rewarded in the 78th minute with Faye Shipman’s effort from distance hitting the roof of the net.

On 82 minutes Riley also found her name in the referee’s notebook with the subsequent free kick going wide of the home goal.

Into injury time Mccoy produced the final goal to give the 8-1 victory and a valuable 3 points.

 

Rochdale AFC Ladies – Naomi Entwistle, Liz House, Sophie Riley, Jo Traynor, Nic Ireson, Lizzie Hamer, Steph Bell, Michelle Walsh, Chantelle Parry, Rachel Nolan, Jade Malpus. Subs Sarah Jones, Faye McCoy, Patrice Shirley, Claire Harrop & Ashley Grindrod

Leeds City Vixens LFC – Sonia Holland, Katie McBrinn, Mercede Riolfo, Collette Haslam, Orla Haslam, Annabelle Cass, Alex Price, Sarah Dickens, Abbie McIver, Faye Shipman, Lauren Asquith. Subs Beth Clayton, Harriet Jakeman & Helen Barrett.

UCLAN SPORTS ARENA WOMEN’S TOURNAMENT

SUNDAY 7TH AUGUST 2011

 

 

Entry into the Preston tournament saw Rochdale eliminated from the main trophy competition at the quarter final stage but saw some pleasing and promising performances from the team.

 

In the group stages Dale’s first opponents were Heart of Midlothian – somewhat of an unknown quantity. They proved to have a strong physical presence and went closest to scoring when hitting the crossbar but the first points of the day were obtained with the 0-0 draw.

 

Game 2 of the day against Chorley saw Jennie Cummins heading over with Coral O’Keefe then forcing the keeper to tip over. Gail Pennington then forced the Chorley keeper into action before Dale’s own keeper Naomi Entwistle bravely gathered a Chorley through ball. Before the interval a Sophie Riley free kick played over the top was gathered in front of the on rushing Wendy Booth. Into the 2nd half Rochdale continued to have the majority of the play but the defence needed to remain alert with Riley putting in a last ditch tackle to prevent the Chorley winger being through on goal. In an attempt to achieve a breakthrough Rebecca Leonard and Paris Welsh were introduced into the game replacing Booth & Ashleigh Smeaton and it was Welsh who broke the deadlock chasing down the ball and then slotting into the bottom right hand corner. Leonard also produced a shot on target before the final whistle.

 

The third game of the day saw Dale run out 2-0 winners. O’Keefe saw her header pushed wide by the Salford keeper prior to Tammy Burgess firing home from distance for a 1-0 lead at the interval. Salford themselves searched for an equaliser with the diligent Kate Rigby clearing their corner off the line. Wendy Booth then made way for Faye McCoy with Kim Cahill then providing the corner that saw Natalie Metcalf head home proficiently for the 2-0 victory.

 

The final group game against Bilbrook saw McCoy open the scoring with a header with Metcalf getting her 2nd of the day firing home a Leonard cross. After the interval Bilbrook capitalised from a free kick but Dale extended there lead further when McCoy’s persistence in retaining the ball and playing across the box allowed Cahill to finish. Final score 3-1

 

As group winners Rochdale drew the best 2nd placed team in the quarter final stage of the main competition. This proved to be Liverpool reserves. A pretty even encounter followed but unfortunately it was our opponents who got the decisive goal with a shot from distance in the opening period. Into the 2nd half Dales defence of Nic Ireson, Claire Harrop, Riley & Pennington held firm against all attacks but unfortunately the strike force could not fine the elusive equaliser to force the game into penalties despite their best efforts.  Our departure from the competition therefore resulted but with not too much despondency following winning the group/progression into the main competition and with some very creditable individual and team performances.

BLACKBURN ROVERS LFC 4 ROCHDALE AFC LADIES 1

 

 

Following a goal less first half Blackburn opened the scoring just after the hour mark through substitute Levi Penny. Coral O’ Keefe quickly replied but 3 goals in the final 15 minutes from Danielle Sheen, Penny and Charlotte Heyes saw Dale’s unbeaten start to the season come to an end.

 

The opening action saw ex Dale striker Keeleigh Savage head over for Rovers. On 4 minutes the home keeper Krystal Parker found her name in the referee’s notebook.

Chantelle Parry then saw her shot go wide with on 14 minutes Hannah Forster for Rovers shooting over.

 

The Dale defence were once again performing admirably dealing with and intercepting all Blackburn attacks.

Parry then shot on target with Jennie Cummins shooting just over on the half hour mark.

 

Nicky Davies in goal for Dale then gathered a Sheen shot and was called into action again on 40 minutes producing a fine save from Forster. The resultant corner was initially cleared by the Dale defence but Heyes forced Davies into another good save from the follow up shot.

 

0-0   at the interval.

In the second period Savage produced shots wide and on target with Jo Traynor clearing a Heyes attempt.

At the other end Cummins and Patrice Shirley combined to force a block from Parker.

 

Ten minutes into the half Wendy Booth and Shirley for Dale made way for new signing Jade Malpus and Faye McCoy with McCoy soon involved in the game seeing her cross gathered by Parker.

Blackburn then made their first substitutions with Penny and Rachel Wood replacing Kim Turner and Lizzie Ince. Penny was also soon to be involved with her free kick going wide but she made no mistake just after the hour with her finish past Davies.

Sheen then went in the referee’s book prior to the Dale equaliser a fine header from O’Keefe.

 

Into the last 15 minutes Blackburn took the lead a cross from Wood despatched by Sheen.

Willoughby then made her final substitution with Kate Rigby replacing Cummins.

 

Penny then obtained her brace with a strike from the edge of the box with Heyes rounding off the scoring with a strike from distance.

The last substitution for Blackburn followed with Sheen making way for Abi Hart.

It was therefore a disappointing second half for Dale and their first defeat of the 2011/12 campaign.

 

 

Blackburn Rovers LFC Krystal Parker, Danielle Oates, Rhiannon Roberts, Danielle Cox, Charlotte Heyes, Denise Campbell, Hannah Forster, Lizzie Ince, Kim Turner, Danielle Sheen, Keeleigh Savage.

Subs - Levi Penny, Rachel Wood, Rachel Foxley & Abi Hart.

 

Rochdale AFC Ladies Nicola Davies, Sophie Riley, Claire Harrop, Nicola Ireson, Joanne Traynor, Lizzie Hamer, Wendy Booth, Jennie Cummins, Coral O’ Keefe, Chantelle Parry, Patrice Shirley

Subs – Faye McCoy, Gail Pennington, Jade Malpus, Lyndsey Burtonwood & Kate Rigby.

LEEDS CITY VIXENS 1 ROCHDALE AFC LADIES 3

 

 

The opening game of the 2011/12 campaign saw Dale visit Yorkshire Amateurs, the home of Leeds City Vixens. A return with all three points came courtesy of goals from Patrice Shirley, Coral O’Keefe and Chantelle Parry with Camille Clarke on target for the home side.

 

Dale got off to the best possible start with Shirley chasing down a through ball in the opening 5 minutes and beating Vixens keeper Alana Johnson. Shirley then crossed for Tammy Burgess who shot wide with O’Keefe then following suit. Parry then played a through ball to Lizzie Hamer who did well to force Johnson into conceding a corner from which Dale were unfortunately unable to capitalise. In the ascendancy the visitors tested the home goal further with Parry and Wendy Booth both shooting. At the other end Dale keeper Naomi Entwistle safely gathered a Leanne Smith free kick.

Just before the half hour mark the persistence paid off with O’Keefe heading home from a perfect Hamer cross. 2-0 to the Dale.

Smith for the home side again took a free kick but shot wide with the last significant action of the half seeing Parry also shooting wide of the goal.

 

After the interval the home side came out with determination and saw the score line reduced within five minutes when Camille Clarke capitalised on hesitation from Entwistle to slot home. The goal gave the home side confidence and for a while they were dominant as they searched for an equaliser.

The first substitution of the game came just before the hour mark from Leeds and saw Ruth Cockerill replacing Edina Thorpe

Dale having rode the storm started to get back into the game with O’Keefe shooting on target and seeing her shot blocked by the Leeds backline just prior to her substitution – Faye McCoy being her replacement, Harriet Jakeman then replacing Tennisha Watson-Phillips for the Vixens.

 

Parry then again tested the home keeper forcing her to palm to safety with Entwistle then in action saving bravely from goal scorer Clarke.

Lizzie House then replaced Nic Ireson in the Dale defence. With five minutes remaining the game was settled in favour of the visitors when Parry shot from distance and deservedly saw her effort hit the back of the net to extend the score line to 3-1.

 

Dale Manager Ange Willoughby was extremely pleased with the performance and in particular with the first half. Considering it was the first time that all of the starting 11 had actually played together she couldn’t be anything but proud of all the girls. She said “ I think once we have a few more games under our belt and we start getting to grips with how each other play and start playing to individuals strengths there can only be more positives to come.

 

Leeds City Vixens – Alana Johson, Camille Clarke, Leanne Smith, Annabelle Cass, Beth Clayton, Tennisha Watson-Phillips, Sarah Dobby, Mercede Riolfo, Alex Price, Edina Thorpe, Lauren Clarke.

Subs – Grace Adams, Ruth Cockerill & Harriet Jakeman.

Rochdale – Naomi Entwistle, Joanne Traynor, Sophie Riley, Wendy Booth, Claire Harrop, Nicola Ireson, Lizzie Hamer, Tammy Burgess, Chantelle Parry, Coral O’Keefe, Patrice Shirley.

Subs – Jennie Cummins, Lizzie House, Faye McCoy, Gail Pennington & Holly Newman

ROCHDALE AFC LADIES 1 MANCHESTER CITY LFC 0

 

 

Dale’s first home game of the season saw local rivals Manchester City as the visitors. A strike by Patrice Shirley early in the 2nd half was enough to give the home side all three points and make it two wins out of two for Ange Willoughby and her team.

 

City started strongly and had the ball in the net on 4 minutes but the linesman rightly ruled offside. A Danni Young corner for the visitors was cleared by Dale with Elena Turner then shooting wide. Dale’s Chantelle Parry then saw her shot go wide. A further Young corner taken short to Becky Grocott saw the resultant strike from Amanda Goodwin go over the bar. Despite winning a number of corners City could not find a breakthrough with the Dale backline of Nic Ireson, Claire Harrop, Jo Traynor & Sophie Riley dealing with all threats on Naomi Entwistle’s goal proficiently.

 

On 27 minutes a through ball from Parry to Riley was played across the visitors box but unfortunately nobody was able to capitalise. Sophie McCall then tested Danielle Brown but her shot on target was safely gathered. Krystle Johnson and Rosie Havelin for the visitors both saw their efforts go wide of the target but the score remained at 0-0 at the interval.

 

City had the first opportunity of the second period and would have gone ahead but for the brave keeping of Entwistle who went down at the striker’s feet with Traynor then heading off the line.

A Tammy Burgess free kick was cleared by Goodwin with on the 54th minute the persistent Patrice Shirley getting her just reward when her effort hit the back of the net to give her side a 1-0 advantage.

 

Willoughby just before the hour mark rang the changes with Jennie Cummins & Coral O’Keefe replacing Captain Wendy Booth and McCall. The City manager Leigh Wood then made his first substitution of the afternoon, Becky Lee being the replacement for Grocott.

 

The 63rd minute saw a Lizzie Hamer cross fumbled by Brown with Shirley nearly capitalising.

Burgess then made way for Faye McCoy with 25 minutes remaining on the clock.

 

City continued in search of an equaliser with the alert Riley intercepting and clearing a dangerous cross and Entwistle parrying to safety a Goodwin free kick. Entwistle also gathered a subsequent free kick played low by Goodwin.

 

Brown at the other end had to be alert following McCoy playing an excellent ball to Riley who then played through for Shirley, the City shot stopper just reaching before the goal scorer.

Johnston then again tested the Dale defence with her cross but fortunately the incoming Turner was unable to reach, McCoy then bravely blocked on the edge of the box.

With 10 minutes remaining Johnston was replaced by Alice Hey.

 

All attempts on the home goal were dealt with but Turner had a good opportunity to equalise in the dying minutes but fired over.

Into injury time the hardworking Shirley nearly obtained her brace but the score was to remain at 1-0 with Dale taking all three points in a hard fought victory.

 

Willoughby felt that it was a close game and that the team had rode their luck on occasions but deserved a bit of luck at the moment. She couldn’t fault the teams display but gave special mention to the back four – outstanding once again.

Dale travel next weekend to Radcliffe Borough, the home of Blackburn Rovers LFC. Kick off 2pm

Rochdale – Naomi Entwistle, Sophie Riley, Jo Traynor, Claire Harrop, Nic Ireson, Lizzie Hamer, Wendy Booth (Captain), Tammy Burgess, Chantelle Parry, Sophie McCall, Patrice Shirley. Subs – Jennie Cummins. Faye McCoy, Kate Rigby, Coral O’Keefe, Gail Pennington.

 

Manchester City – Danielle Brown. Fran Champ, Kelly McLellan, Chelsea Nightingale, Felicity Middleton (Captain), Danni Young, Amanda Goodwin, Rosie Havelin, Ellena Turner, Krystle Johnston, Becky Grocott. Subs – Becky Lee, Carley Bayley, Lauren Beckford, Alice Hey, Abbie McManus.

 

Officials – Referee Nigel D’Arcy, Assistants Mike Willmore & Tim Buckley