Match Report - ROCHDALE SACRED HEART - 20 Oct 2019

A sobering result for the bulldogs this week. The first really good opposition we have really come up against whilst at Heywood. It couldn't have got off to a worse start with Rochdale scoring from the kick off walking past our entire team to slot home in the first 30 seconds.

It didn't take long for us to respond however and we found a leveller through some good build up play from first Tommy making a great tackle, Liam taking the ball forward and Will slotting home.

A good five minute spell followed with big tackles from Tommy, a couple of good saves from Aidan, some great footwork from Freddie and Liam and strong pressing from the big man Will. Hard work paid dividends and we took the lead through a Liam Harding strike on 10 mins. However it wasn't long before Rochdale got back into the game scoring to level up just before end of the first 15min.

Tom and Tyler were introduced for the second period. And they brought a lot of energy to the team. Tyler made some winding runs and showed great feet, while Tom must have had his Weetabix pre game as he looked like a new player (literally with his new hair) making some crucial challenges to help Tommy in defence.

Unfortunately nothing or nobody could help Tommy on the stroke of the 26th minute as he drilled home a strike that any of the lads would have been proud of...had it been in the right net! Once again Rochdale led going into the second break.

A few physical challenges saw the lads a little battered and bruised. Will taking a few knocks but bravely jumping back up, Tyler taking a stud as did Tom and Tommy losings tooth for his efforts! But we matched Rochdale physically, unfortunately giving away a free kick which didn't look too dangerous until their genetically enhanced captain who must have had a Nigerian passport, smashed in from distance.

We continued to battle, hitting the post, testing the keeper but couldn't find a way through until Liam claimed his second of the game. Had we finished our chances we would have easily won, but credit to Rochdale the defended well and their keeper made some good saves.

A lapse in concentration at the end saw Rochdale round off a great performance and slot home a fifth. But overall an amazing show from the Bulldogs and a learning experience we hope they will take on board and come back stronger next week.