THE LANCASHIRE FA WOMENS KNOCKOUT CUP

ROCHDALE AFC LADIES 2    BLACKBURN ROVERS LADIES 2

EXTRA TIME PLAYED ROCHDALE WON 4 2 ON PENALTIES

Dale arrived at LFA county ground in Leyland definite underdogs for tonight's final against national division Blackburn Rovers Ladies, But as Dale are committed to playing at a fast pace this would be a firm test.

Dale were drawn as the home side playing in blue/black shirts and opted to play one up front and compact their midfield combating Blackburn's formidable line up. However, within a minute of the start Blackburn were awarded a penalty as keeper Lauren Bracewell was judged to have brought down Blackburn's striker Katie Anderson, despite this poor decision no Blackburn player or the referee's assistant flagged to support the decision.The penalty was converted and it was 1 nil to Blackburn in the first minute.

Dale could not have had a worst start, Blackburn now ran the show for the next 45 minutes dale were playing catch up but battled for the ball. After the break Dale's first attack proved productive Steph Bell in mid field hit a ball to Lizzie Paul, Lizzie shot at gaol as the Blackburn keeper came out to challenge the ball found itself out on the right wing where Dale's Lisa Wood fired home for Dale.

Everyone lifted their game as Blackburn began to look uncertain Dale's Holly Newman Steph Bell and Sarah Buffel fought like tigers and now bossed centre ground but against the run of play a fantastic move by Blackburn ended in them scoring to make it 2 1 for Blackburn. A tactical switch saw Sue Perry replace Lisa Wood Dale began to fight back and a move started by Siobhan McElhinney found Sarah Buffel in centre mid, Buffel slotted a pin point pass to Dale's flying left winger Rachael Wood, Woody waited until the keeper was committed and looped the ball over the Blackburn keeper to equalize. Dale's fans lifted the roof and Dale now took control, Lizzie Paul just firing wide. Dale's defence stood strong Capt Claire Pearson, Jennie Cummins, Kim Hines and Siobhan McElhinney as the 90^th minute came to an end Blackburn knew Dale still had their strong spirit in place as on the restart of extra time Sarah Buffel just missed the post.

Both sides gave everything it was end to end play, Siobhan McElhinney had to retire due to a thigh injury and Lyndsey Burtonwood entered the fray at left back. As the first half of extra time ended Dale's players were going down with cramp and Dale's physio seemed to be on the pitch as much as the players. Nicola Ireson replaced Jennie Cummins in the second half of extra time. Both sides went for the winner and as the final minute approached Dale's brilliant young goal keeper Lauren Bracewell made a double save denying Blackburn.

Penalties now were imminent Dale's penalty takers were Holly Newman, Sarah Buffel, Lizzie Paul, Kim Hines and Claire Pearson. Holly took the first penalty for Dale but the Blackburn keeper saved it, Dale's keeper now stood tall as Blackburn took their first penalty Bracewell saved for Dale.Buffy then scored for Dale, again Bracewell's agility paid off she dived to her left saving two from two. Next up was Lizzie Paul who scored, Blackburn finally added to their tally and Kim Hines made no mistake for the fourth. Blackburn added one more but if Captain Claire Pearson was to score it was all over for Rovers and she finished with aplomb.

It was a great night for the team and their supporters who have been fantastic all season.