Rochdale AFC Ladies continued their fine vein of form with a cup victory over Langho – in the first game between the sides since last season’s head-to-head title race.
Dale started the game well but were unable to truly test the Langho goal. The opposition replied through chances of their own, with Dale ’keeper Abigail Nolan pulling off a fine stop to deny an early setback.
Lucy Stobart’s exquisite chip put Dale ahead in the first half. After winning possession back from the goalkeeper, Stobart directed the ball into the goalmouth for the lead.
Her second followed just before the half after brilliant work between Stobart and Nicola Delaney. Delaney’s pass through to the attacker allowed Stobart to finish past Langho’s ‘keeper for a 2-0 half-time lead – her sixth goal in five games.
Emma Thetford’s side were tasked with continuing their assault on the Langho goal after the break and did so with immediate effect. Dale captain Emily Hindle’s control on the edge of the area set herself up for a driven strike into the bottom corner.
Langho has the chance to respond though, with stopper Nolan being adjudged to have brought down an attacker in the area. She made up for it though with a penalty save, maintaining the clean sheet.
Hindle was able to secure a 4-0 win when a long ball from right-back Emma Flynn found her feet, allowing her to turn, dribble past three players before chipping the keeper.