ROCHDALE AFC LADIES 1MIDDLESBOROUGH 0
Perhaps the best day so far in February weather wise on a Sunday greeted Boro to Hopwood Hall against a highflying Dale side. Boro could still be in the mix in the run up to the end of the season as they have games in hand over the top teams.
Dale began poorly Boro having most of the play in Dale's half, Boro were awarded a direct free kick inside the Dale half and as they were retreating to defend the kick Boro took it quickly and the shot bounced off the crossbar, a lucky escape. Dale's first attack came after 10 minutes play as Kim Hines found Lisa Wood on the right wing, Wood raced past her marker and crossed into the Boro penalty area Holly Newman picked up the pass and just shot wide.
Dale finally settled down to play some good football, Dale began to dominate play McElhinney and Bell in centre mid field broke up Boro's passing Buffel, Wood and Bell all had shots saved by Boro's keeper but the score remained level at half time.
At the restart Dale upped the tempo Holly Newman and Sarah Buffel combined well to break the deadlock, Sarah Buffel finally slamming home for Dale on the 70th minute.
Lisa Wood retired hurt to be replaced by Lizzie Paul at right mid field.
Dale's defence were solid after the shaky start Kim Hines, Claire Pearson, Jennie Cummins and Lyndsey Burtonwood all stood tall. Special mention must go to Rachael Wood at left mid field her tireless effort and super skills nearly led to more goals for Dale as she crossed balls for Buffel to head on to the post and with only minutes remaining another cross found Holly Newman in front of goal only for the ball to get stuck under her foot as she shot.
Dale's keeper Lauren Bracewell handling again was assured and another clean sheet for dale's title challenge.
Dale are away for the next two games one at Peterlee and a return fixture at Middlesborough
