Firsts rumbled by Ramblers

HOCKEY: 

OLDHAM Women’s first team started the season against an excellent Deeside Ramblers side, from Tiverton in Cheshire.

The hosts were relegated from North Division One last term, but are determined to bounce straight back up, judged on their 5-0 win over the local outfit.

With a handful of key players missing, Oldham skipper Fran Lees started with an attacking 4-3-3 formation in this North Hockey Women's League Division Two South West clash. Oldham did well to repel several early attacks and looked to hit their opponents on the break.

With only one substitute available, Oldham were limited in their options. ’Keeper Sarah Simpson made a couple of decent serves, until she was eventually beaten.

Oldham switched to their traditional 4-4-2 formation for the second half in order to provide support to the midfield. But Ramblers emerged with all guns blazing and three goals in a 10-minute spell put the game out of sight.