In an exciting conclusion to the season at the Dale, our two “First” teams—Big Jims and Lee Atkinsons Dale Ladies—competed fiercely in their own leagues and both achieved a 5.1 home score. This remarkable performance highlights the strong capabilities of both teams as they wrapped up the season.
The ladies’ hope was to cement a third-placed finish, and so it was! Dale delivered an impressive performance at home, triumphing over Hyde United with a fantastic 5-1 victory on Sunday afternoon.
Match Report
Eleanor Ashton’s remarkable hat-trick, combined with Emma Flynn’s crucial penalty and Niamh Fogarty’s stunning goal of the season contender from the bench, propelled Dale to a much-needed victory. The team finished the season just a few points short of the league title.
Hyde United entered the match with their hearts set on victory, knowing that a win would crown them champions. Meanwhile, their rivals, Manchester Laces, had recently defeated Rochdale, taking the top spot on goal difference and dashing Dale’s hopes of lifting the trophy..
This season, games at home have truly been a delight for Dale, as they’ve managed to win all nine league matches played at Hopwood. Atkinson’s team is excitedly aware that another victory would help them maintain this incredible record.
With barely five minutes elapsed, Dale took the lead. Dolcie O’Connor did well to drive down the flank and supply a wonderful delivery for an unmarked Ashton to sweep home for 1-0.
The visitors needed a response to that early setback, looking to send long balls forward to test the Dale backline but they stood strong to a team that had netted 62 goals, although Dale had scored a league-high 87.
That record was extended soon after when Gracie Smith sent Ashton clean through on goal, the forward showing great composure to round the goalkeeper and slot home her and Dale’s second.
Both sides were desperate for that game-changing goal, the goalkeepers at either end doing well with an end-to-end feel creeping into the encounter.
Hyde managed to half the deficit, switching play well before their tricky winger took it in her stride and finished under Tanya Nash to make it 2-1.
The side in red had a huge chance to draw level, bearing down on goal before a huge right-handed save from Nash prevented Hyde from snatching an equaliser.
This seemed to spring Dale back into life as moments later a counter-attack saw Caris Valente dribble past her marker before being brought down for a spot-kick. Flynn stepped up and confidently dispatched to restore the two-goal buffer.
The Tigers knew they would need at least a draw to earn promotion, however it was the home side who looked more threatening with chances in the second-half to extend the lead coming in one-way traffic.
As the second period wore on, Dale grew in confidence and made it four when Fogarty spun well and on a bouncing ball sent an unerring strike into the far corner, hit so sweetly with the Hyde shot-stopper rooted.
A ruthless performance was capped off late on as Olivia Barnes skipped through challenges down the right and put a teasing ball in for Ashton to take under control and convert for her 14th of the season and a treble for the afternoon.
Managers Post Match Analysis
Manager Lee Atkinson praised his team’s character, and the result puts the team in good stead ahead of a big cup final.
“I was incredibly happy with my players; we were brilliant. We demonstrated great quality on the ball, and what a way to finish the league campaign! We have brought the league down to just two points with a resounding performance. Now it’s time to concentrate on our final against Manchester Laces on May 18th, and hopefully, we can end the season with some silverware.”
Team
Dale XI | Nash, Barnett, Cocker, Flynn, Moran, Williams, Smith, Valente, Strudwick, Ashton, O’Connor.
Subs | Barnes, Cocking, Dale, Fogarty, Hunt.
The Trust thanks Greg Jones and the media team at RAFC for allowing us to post the review.