Shoot-out defeat for Oldham

THE Oldham Sunday League narrowly lost out in the inaugural Inter-League Michelle Bamford Memorial Trophy clash with the Rochdale and District Sunday League.

They were beaten 4-3 on penalties after a 3-3 draw at Mayfield Sports Centre.

Before kick-off both sets of players and spectators observed a minute’s silence in memory of former Rochdale League referee Yaro Martyniuk, who passed away after losing his fight with cancer.

Proceeds from the game went to Dr Kershaw’s Hospice and Springhill Hospital.

Paul Ashton put Rochdale in front after six minutes with a long-range drive.

And they doubled their advantage with a quarter-of-an-hour gone.

Scott Highton fed Ashton, who took a touch to compose himself before smashing the ball home.

Joe Heap pulled back a goal for Oldham 15 minutes later with a fine solo effort, and almost immediately Chris Pauley drilled the ball past goalkeeper Amir Nazir to restore parity.

But on the stroke of half-time Rochdale regained the lead, Johnny Munson tapping in from close range.

Oldham pushed hard for an equaliser after the interval and levelled with nine minutes remaining when Dominic Hallam nodded in Ryan Fagan’s cross.

And so to penalties. Lee Taylor missed for Rochdale before substitute goalkeeper Marc Scowcroft thwarted Heap.

Danny Kershaw, Ross Doherty, Ryan Burgess and Munson netted their kicks for Rochdale, with Oldham’s Fagan, Leighton Stephenson and Hallam following suit.

James Curley stepped up for Oldham knowing he had to score, but Scowcroft saved, winning a thrilling contest for Rochdale.