ROCHDALE AFC LADIES    6     PADIHAM LADIES  2

A bitterly cold wind greeted the players in this Lancs Cup semi final played at Hopwood Hall.

Dale opened the scoring after just 5 minutes as Jennie Cummins header was stopped just of the line but she stuck home the rebound, Steph Bell added a second on the 14^th minute but Dale were making hard work of everything which slowly allowed Padiham back in the match.

The home side had several open goal chances and never took advantage until the third goal came when Lynsey Burtonwood hit a long ball on to Sarah Buffel who then found Lisa Wood who made no mistake, firing home from the edge of the box.

After the break Dale's keeper Lauren Bracewell had to retire due to a damaged finger and centre half Jennie Cummins took the gloves with Kim Hines partnering Claire Pearson at the back.

Padiham pulled a goal back but Dale replied as Steph Bell assisted with a clever pass finding Siobhan McElhinney who out paces the Padiham defence and drilled the ball in the net.. Padiham scored a second which led to Dale making some changes as Sue Perry made way for Lizzie Paul and Sarah Buffel for Rachael Wood, Wood made an impact within minutes she collected a pass from Holly Newman and Wood raced past the Padiham right back to add Dale's 5^th. Wood added the 6^th goal minutes later.

A scrappy game Dale playing some of their worst football all season but a Cup Final awaits at the LFA County ground on Friday 13th March and a meeting against either Preston North End or Blackburn Ladies.