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Pride in defeat for Alkrington

21/ 2/2008

ALKRINGTON Dynamos came up against Premier Division opposition on Saturday in round two of the Lancashire and Cheshire League’s Rhodes Cup.

They battled well but slipped to a 3-2 defeat against Rochdalians.

If the Rochdale club thought Dynamos would be an easy ride they were badly mistaken as the second divison outfit took the game to them.

Alkrington’s effort and determination was rewarded on 20 minutes when good work down the left was finished off by Darren Hoolickin.

But the lead was shortlived as Rochdalians replied almost immediately.

A well struck freekick from the edge of the box was well saved by keeper David Jones, but the ball fell loose at the feet of a Rochdale forward who jabbed it home from close range.

From this point Rochdalians started to assert themselves, and it came as no surprise when they increased their lead right on half time.

Five minutes of the second half had passed when Rochdalians made the score 3-1, and at this point the writing appeared to be very much on the wall for Alkrington.

But their commitment and spirit never faltered.

A period of Alkrington pressure was rewarded with a freekick on the edge of the Rochdale area.

Craig Thornley saw his opportunity, quickly took the kick, and a flat-footed Rochdale defence could only look on as the ball nestled in the back of their net.

Dynamos’ efforts to find an equaliser often saw them stretched at the back, and in-form keeper David Jones had to make a couple of fine saves to keep them in the game.

Despite all their efforts Dynamos were left frustrated, but this was a fine creditable display by them, and they can feel proud of their performance.

Man of the match was Dynamos’ keeper David Jones.