Away-day plus point for Oldham

DOUBLE STRIKE . . . Amanda Smith.

HOCKEY:

OLDHAM’S first team earned a valuable point in a 2-2 draw at leaders Manchester University in Northern Women’s Division Two.

Sustained pressure early on led to a young, fit Manchester outfit taking a first-half lead.

With help from player-of-the-day Nerys Evans, though, midfielder Amanda Smith struck home two goals before the change of ends.

The hosts hit back again with an equaliser in the second period. From that point on, the contest ebbed and flowed and became a real nail-biter as both teams threatened as full-time approached.

The draw gained has left Oldham a comfortable eighth in the table.

The improving third team, who continue to gel as a squad, couldn’t turn the bulk of possession into goals against second-placed Heaton in Greater Manchester Division Three.

Heaton capitalised in the second period with two goals, leaving Oldham with no points — despite an

outstanding performance from Sarah Lord in defence. The team now sits sixth in the standings.