Rochdale AFC Ladies side top the Great Manchester Women's League Division One table after a 4-2 victory over West Didsbury and Chorlton Women FC.
Despite an even balance throughout the first half, Dale grew stronger in an effort to edge out their opponents. Nicola Delaney’s lofted cross into the area was cleared to Emily Hindle, lurking outside the box.
Chest control set up a spectacular volley into the roof of the net – from 25 yards - to give Dale the lead, heading into the break.
The home side came out of the traps quickly in the second half, in pursuit of a further advantage. Efforts against the crossbar and post however denied them in quick succession.
Abi Driffield was laid the eventual claim to the second goal. A move from the midfield saw the ball break out wide to the right with Driffield, who confidently chipped the ‘keeper to double the lead.
But the visitors didn’t go down without a fight. Two long balls over the Dale defence caught them out twice in a ten-minute spell. Both chances were put away, levelling the contest at 2-2.
The pendulum swung once more in favour of Dale. A whipped free kick from Emma Flynn found the head of Erin Kilpatrick, who headed home to put Rochdale ahead.
A period of dominating possession paved way to the final clincher. The ball worked over to Lucy Pilling who hit a sweet strike into the bottom corner, scoring her third goal in as many games and wrapped up the encounter 4-2.
Rochdale AFC Ladies next travel to Langho Ladies FC in the Division One League Cup – on Sunday 13th October.