Firsts defy conditions to secure win spoils

A CONVINCING 3-0 victory at a rain-swept Prescot lifted Oldham Women’s Hockey Club firsts up to fourth place in North Women’s Hockey League Division Two South-West.

Emma Burns was called into the squad at the last minute as the visitors looked to regain the winning thread after the previous week’s 3-3 draw.

The Merseysiders had the better of the opening exchanges with their direct style of play, and Oldham were indebted to ’keeper Sarah Simpson for a smart early block.

Gradually warming to their task, the visitors were awarded a penalty corner when the ball struck a Prescot foot.

Player-of-the-match Rebecca Blair’s cute pass picked out Karen Rowley (pictured, above), who hit a sweet strike into the bottom left hand corner for a 1-0 lead.

Pushing for a second goal, Louise Howard, after first beating a defender and then taking a hit from the ’keeper, had an effort cleared off the line by a player’s stomach.

A penalty stroke was awarded for stopping a certain goal, but Rowley’s flick went narrowly wide.

Well on top, Oldham got their second goal before half-time when Fran Barlow smashed home at the back post, after initial efforts by Howard and Rowley were blocked.

With rain continuing to fall, puddles began to form on the pitch which resulted in the ball continually stopping.

The conditions resulted in winger Barlow suffering a nasty-looking injury, the ball hitting her on the side of the head as she slipped in the wet.

Oldham dominated the second period, retaining possession for long periods, and they were rewarded with a third goal when Howard took advantage of some hesistant defending.

Next up for Oldham is the visit of Bowdon to Newman College on Saturday (12.30pm).