Firsts in seventh heaven

HOCKEY: DIVISION One high-flyers Oldham firsts are through to the last four of the All Divisions Cup after a resounding 7-2 defeat of Didsbury Greys.

Didsbury, from a division below in the Greater Manchester League, started with a one-goal advantage, but that was soon wiped out.

Oona Cassidy put Oldham on level terms when she forced home a Laura Rice centre.

And the local outfit was in the ascendancy thanks to Rice, who successfully followed up a Louise Howard strike.

Oldham coach Kevin Jackson urged his side to up their game at the break — and they answered his call.

Rice completed a fine hat-trick after converting crosses from Karen Rowley and Rachael Johnson.

Cassidy got her second of the match with a lovely effort, before captain Johnson smashed home a

first-time strike from a penalty corner.

Rice wrapped up a comfortable win for Oldham with her fourth of the afternoon, after good work from Amanda Smith. Didsbury managed a late consolation goal.