Dale Women progressed through to the next round of the Lancashire FA Women’s Challenge Cup on Sunday as they beat Colne FC Ladies 3-1.
Ellie Fergus bagged a brace, with Shannon Gill also on the scoresheet as the Dale Women returned to winning ways on Sunday.
Manager Lee Atkinson was pleased with his side’s performance.
“I’m really happy with the performance from everyone," said Atkinson.
“We went into the game with a few injuries, and we knew that this game would be another tough one, especially because Colne are currently sitting at the top of their league and have been scoring a lot of goals every week.
“We were looking for a reaction following the Bury game, and we got exactly that.
“We started quickly, and we put pressure on the opposition from early on. We really took control of the game.
“We dominated most of the play in the first-half and went into the break with a two-goal lead after an Ellie Fergus double. And I think on another day we could have scored a couple more goals.
“In the second-half it was more of the same from Rochdale. Our energy levels were high.
“We were patient in possession and looked dangerous every time we attacked.
“Colne got themselves back into the game with a free-kick on the edge of the box. But it wasn’t long until we regained our two-goal cushion with a goal from Shannon Gill.
“I’m really happy with everyone.
“We also had Amara Jackson-Keating making her debut for us. She will be a big player for us this season.
“In the game and on the pitch, we had some really big performances.
“Now we’re looking forward to the quarter-final draw.
“Our focus shifts to Sunday’s game, which is in the League Challenge Cup. We’re facing Eccles Women at home. It’s a 2pm kick-off at Rochdale St Clements.
“We’ll work hard in training again this week, and then we’ll take that into Sunday’s game.”