Firsts respond with gutsy win

HOCKEY: 

OLDHAM produced the perfect response to their 7-0 hammering of the previous week as they clinched a hard-fought 3-2 victory at Timperley.

They hit the ground running, with Louise Howard finding the net early on.

Some excellent hockey and good hook-up play gave Oldham their second goal as Karen Rowley skilfully lifted the ball over the ’keeper from Howard’s cross.

The visitors found themselves on the back foot in the second half as Timperley emerged with more purpose. The hosts evenually cracked the Oldham defence to draw level.

But Oldham wasn’t to be denied. Goalkeeper Sarah Simpson kept Timperley at bay with a series of fine saves, before Howard relieved the pressure by converting a penalty corner.

Determined Oldham then defended a string of penalty corners themselves to claim the points, much to skipper Fran Lees’ delight.