Final awaits women

HOCKEY: OLDHAM can look forward to the Greater Manchester Women’s Hockey League All-Divisions Cup final after a 3-1 win at Stockport.

The home team, who handed a one-goal lead, made the early running in the last-four clash.

But, when Louise Howard was fouled by the Stockport ’keeper, Oldham had the chance to draw level. Karen Rowley made no mistake with the penalty flick.

Buoyed by their equaliser, Oldham were soon in front thanks to Howard after good work from Rowley.

The visitors dominated the second half, but they only had one goal to show for their efforts when Rowley converted Amanda Smith’s cross.

Oldham, in the hunt for the Division One title, face either Bolton Manto or Manchester University in the final.

The second team, who are battling to avoid relegation from Division One, lost 5-1 at home to City of Manchester.

However, the scoreline did not reflect Oldham’s performance, who started brightly and were only a goal adrift at the break.

City scored two quick goals after the restart, before Laura Rice scored with a penalty flick.

But Oldham’s hopes of staging a fightback were dashed as City notched a late double.