Away-day plus-point

HOCKEY: OLDHAM’S first team continued their solid start to the North Women’s League Division Two with a 1-1 draw at Alderley Edge.

The visitors dominated the opening period, which featured fine midfield displays from Amanda Smith and Nerys Evans.

It wasn’t long before Oldham took the lead, Gill Lord finding the net after some good movement.

A dubious umpiring decision midway through the second half gifted the hosts an equaliser from a short corner.

Both sides went on to carve out chances to win the game, but ’keeper and player-of-the-match Sarah Simpson made some crucial saves to earn Oldham another point following their opening-day draw.

The club’s second team suffered their second consecutive defeat in Greater Manchester League Division One, but they can take heart from a much-improved display against City Of Manchester.

Oldham were beaten 3-1 with all the goals coming in an action-packed second half.

The local side fell behind when City took advantage of a lapse in concentration, and conceded a second as they searched for an equaliser.

Oldham captain Jordanna Boon halved the deficit, with the slightest of touches as the ball ricocheted around the goalmouth.

But City soon restored their two-goal advantage as Oldham again pushed for the leveller.

Sarah Barlow was outstanding in the Oldham defence, along with Donna Tindall.

The third team, featuring a handful of new players, recorded an excellent 1-1 draw at Manchester University fifths in Division Three.

Defender Sally Booth was Oldham’s stand-out performer in a goalless first half.

Good work on the left-hand side created a chance for winger Christine Holman, who put Oldham in front.

Manchester came back strongly and, despite, several great saves from ’keeper Alison Chadwick, the hosts scored an equaliser.