http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/ Top stories for Sport http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/rugby_league/rochdale_hornets/s/1049619_ban_for_bobbie ROCHDALE Hornets coach Bobbie Goulding has been given a four-match touchline ban - suspended for 12 months - for disputing a referee's decision. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/rugby_league/rochdale_hornets/s/1049619_ban_for_bobbie Tue, 13 May 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/rochdale/s/1049388_tie_is_still_in_our_hands WIN the second half and we’re going to Wembley – that’s the gist of Keith Hill’s week-long half-time team talk. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/rochdale/s/1049388_tie_is_still_in_our_hands Mon, 12 May 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/rochdale/s/1049399_darlington_2__1_rochdale Rochdale must overturn a one-goal deficit if they are to reach the League Two play-off final and realise the dream of a Wembley appearance in their centenary season. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/rochdale/s/1049399_darlington_2__1_rochdale Mon, 12 May 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/rochdale/s/1049402_armwrestling_ends_after_thorpe_incident THE national press had a field day with it – Rochdale striker to miss the big game after breaking arm in high jinks on the team bus. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/rochdale/s/1049402_armwrestling_ends_after_thorpe_incident Mon, 12 May 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/rugby_league/rochdale_hornets/s/1049404_keighley__36__35__hornets QUEL DOMMAGE! Hornets fell foul of French referee Thierry Albert on a blistering afternoon at Cougar Park and it cost them the match. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/rugby_league/rochdale_hornets/s/1049404_keighley__36__35__hornets Mon, 12 May 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/rugby_league/rochdale_hornets/s/1049410_razzledazzle_reserves_turn_on_style HORNETS Reserves turned on the style against Dewsbury Rams at Castleton Sports Centre on Thursday with what an Australian commentator recently described as "a razzle dazzle hot potato, run and gun performance". http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/rugby_league/rochdale_hornets/s/1049410_razzledazzle_reserves_turn_on_style Mon, 12 May 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/cricket/s/1049411_allround_team_effort NORDEN claimed their first win of the season on Saturday, and it was all down to a great team effort. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/cricket/s/1049411_allround_team_effort Mon, 12 May 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/rochdale/s/1049083_do_us_proud THE town’s name having been dragged through the mud by sections of the national press this week, Keith Hill’s talented young team can provide a welcome shot in the arm for Rochdale today. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/rochdale/s/1049083_do_us_proud Fri, 09 May 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/rugby_league/rochdale_hornets/s/1049082_alls_well_with_board_and_bobbie HORNETS directors met with coach Bobbie Goulding and his assistant Phil Farrell on Thursday evening to discuss a way forward for the club. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/rugby_league/rochdale_hornets/s/1049082_alls_well_with_board_and_bobbie Fri, 09 May 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/rochdale/s/1049081_weight_of_expectation_on_penneys_team DAVE Penney has a wealth of options at his disposal going into this evening’s play-off semi-final and little wonder – his Darlington outfit are one of the most expensively assembled squads in the division. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/rochdale/s/1049081_weight_of_expectation_on_penneys_team Fri, 09 May 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/rochdale/s/1049080_why_would_we_change_our_winning_formula PREPARING for this evening’s play-off semi-final first leg against Darlington has been a case of business as usual for Keith Hill and his squad this week. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/rochdale/s/1049080_why_would_we_change_our_winning_formula Fri, 09 May 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/rochdale/s/1049077_something_in_the_air_when_boys_of_69_made_history LATE spring, 1969, and the times they are indeed a-changing. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/rochdale/s/1049077_something_in_the_air_when_boys_of_69_made_history Fri, 09 May 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/rochdale/s/1049075_perks_out_to_banish_playoff_heartache WHEN it comes to the play-offs, David Perkins has one or two issues to address. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/rochdale/s/1049075_perks_out_to_banish_playoff_heartache Fri, 09 May 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/rugby_league/rochdale_hornets/s/1049073_bobbies_boys_face_test_at_highflyers HORNETS will need to be on their mettle if they are to return from Cougar Park tomorrow with the spoils. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/rugby_league/rochdale_hornets/s/1049073_bobbies_boys_face_test_at_highflyers Fri, 09 May 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/rugby_union/s/1049071_boro_break_new_ground_on_tour LITTLEBOROUGH under 13s/14s embarked on their first ever tour when they travelled to London last weekend. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/rugby_union/s/1049071_boro_break_new_ground_on_tour Fri, 09 May 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/s/1049070_brown_tans_his_fell_race_rivals THE Ravenstones fell race was the third fixture in Rochdale Harriers’ fell race Grand Prix. Billed as a comfortable 10 miler, it didn’t quite match its description. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/s/1049070_brown_tans_his_fell_race_rivals Fri, 09 May 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/rochdale/s/1049074_all_home_leg_tickets_expected_at_spotland ALL tickets for the home leg of the play-off semi-finals against Darlington were expected to be on sale at Spotland by the time the Observer went to press. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/rochdale/s/1049074_all_home_leg_tickets_expected_at_spotland Thu, 08 May 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/rochdale/s/1048391_were_ready_for_promotion_ DALE chairman Chris Dunphy has dispelled the long-standing myth that suggests the Spotland outfit cannot afford promotion – by insisting a rise up the Football League ranks is essential. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/rochdale/s/1048391_were_ready_for_promotion_ Mon, 05 May 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/rugby_league/rochdale_hornets/s/1048797_rochdale_hornets_28_hunslet_hawks_35 ABYSMAL is too kind a word to describe Hornets’ performance against Hunslet Hawks on Monday afternoon. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/rugby_league/rochdale_hornets/s/1048797_rochdale_hornets_28_hunslet_hawks_35 Tue, 06 May 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/rugby_league/rochdale_hornets/s/1048395_bobbie_and_board_in_hearttoheart HORNETS directors are set for a heart-to-heart chat with coach Bobbie Goulding following Monday’s 35-28 defeat by bottom club Hunslet Hawks at Spotland. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/rugby_league/rochdale_hornets/s/1048395_bobbie_and_board_in_hearttoheart Mon, 05 May 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/rochdale/s/1048399_rochdale__1__1__shrewsbury IT was a case of before the Lord Mayor’s Show at Spotland on Saturday where Rochdale played out their final League Two fixture of the season against Shrewsbury Town. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/rochdale/s/1048399_rochdale__1__1__shrewsbury Mon, 05 May 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/cricket/s/1048403_symes_is_legged_up_as_norden_go_down NEW professional Jean Symes was one run short of a maiden half century for Norden when he fell victim to a dubious leg before decision in the match at Radcliffe on Saturday. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/cricket/s/1048403_symes_is_legged_up_as_norden_go_down Mon, 05 May 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/cricket/s/1048406_tripathi_knock_goes_unrewarded_as_clifton_edge_home TWO teams with wholesale changes in personnel from last season clashed at Ladyhouse on Saturday, writes Mike Floyd. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/cricket/s/1048406_tripathi_knock_goes_unrewarded_as_clifton_edge_home Mon, 05 May 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/cricket/s/1048410_champions_find_life_hard_in_opener ROCHDALE Carcraft began their defence of the CLL title at Unsworth on Saturday, but found themselves on the wrong end of a 48-run defeat. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/cricket/s/1048410_champions_find_life_hard_in_opener Mon, 05 May 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/rochdale/s/1048071_squad_facing_biggame_test KEITH HILL will tap into his own experience of the play-offs – memories bitter and sweet – in preparing his young squad for the march towards League One http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/rochdale/s/1048071_squad_facing_biggame_test Fri, 02 May 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/rochdale/s/1048070_hornets_boss_seeking_assurance_over_future Bobbie Goulding is hoping to revive talks with Rochdale Hornets over an extension to his current one-year deal. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/rochdale/s/1048070_hornets_boss_seeking_assurance_over_future Fri, 02 May 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/s/1048058_cordingley_speeds_in_victory_in_the_sun SUNNY EVENINGS have been in short supply this month, so runners in the Colin Robinson Multi-terrain race were pleased to have perfect conditions. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/s/1048058_cordingley_speeds_in_victory_in_the_sun Fri, 02 May 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/cricket/s/1048062_clubs_hope_for_a_silver_lining_to_get_season_under_way AT the time this article was written there seemed more chance of putting a man on the moon than cricket being played in the Lake Garage Central Lancashire League this weekend. . http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/cricket/s/1048062_clubs_hope_for_a_silver_lining_to_get_season_under_way Fri, 02 May 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/rugby_league/rochdale_hornets/s/1048063_swarm_set_to_fijians AHORNETS celebrate the unique link between the club, the town of Rochdale and the island of Fiji with a special challenge match before Monday’s match against Hunslet at Spotland. . http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/rugby_league/rochdale_hornets/s/1048063_swarm_set_to_fijians Fri, 02 May 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/s/1048064_penalty_decides_tight_contest_ THE top two teams in the Newbold Tyres Premier Division clashed last Friday in the Chris Shyne Cup final at Springhill. . http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/s/1048064_penalty_decides_tight_contest_ Fri, 02 May 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/rochdale/s/1048068_dale_retain_hunger_for_success ROCHDALE complete a long and tiring League Two campaign when they play host to Shrewsbury at Spotland today – but Keith Hill’s men will need little motivation to pull on the shirt three more times before the month is out. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/rochdale/s/1048068_dale_retain_hunger_for_success Fri, 02 May 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/rochdale/s/1048069_stay_off_the_pitch Dale chief executive Colin Garlick has urged supporters to stay off the Spotland pitch after the final league game of the season today. . http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/rochdale/s/1048069_stay_off_the_pitch Fri, 02 May 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/rochdale/s/1047427_stanton_hit_by_playoff_blow_ KEY defender Nathan Stanton will miss the first leg of Rochdale’s play-off semi-final following his dismissal at Bury on Saturday. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/rochdale/s/1047427_stanton_hit_by_playoff_blow_ Mon, 28 Apr 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/rochdale/s/1047429_last_chance_for_ticket_take_up THE clock is ticking for Dale supporters wishing to buy a 2008/09 season ticket for the same price as a 2007/08 season ticket. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/rochdale/s/1047429_last_chance_for_ticket_take_up Mon, 28 Apr 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/rugby_league/rochdale_hornets/s/1047432_oldham_roughyeds_24_rochdale_hornets_14 WAS it me – or was this another match ruined by an official? http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/rugby_league/rochdale_hornets/s/1047432_oldham_roughyeds_24_rochdale_hornets_14 Mon, 28 Apr 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/golf/s/1047528_trophy_winners_in_first_round_clash ALL is set for the start of the 2008 Rochdale Observer golf tournament. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/golf/s/1047528_trophy_winners_in_first_round_clash Tue, 29 Apr 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/s/1047430_gabs_miss_out_in_a_thriller CASTLETON Gabriels were beaten 3-1 by FA Vase finalists Kirkham and Wesham at Castleton Sports Centre on Saturday. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/s/1047430_gabs_miss_out_in_a_thriller Mon, 28 Apr 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/s/1047431_harriers_up_against_the_worlds_best TOP MOUNTAIN runners from around the world descended on the Yorkshire Dales last weekend to compete in one of the biggest events in fell running. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/s/1047431_harriers_up_against_the_worlds_best Mon, 28 Apr 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/rugby_league/rochdale_hornets/s/1047434_hornets_reserves_38__28_oldham_reserves_ Hornets’ Reserves made it three wins from three games when they met a spirited Oldham team at Castleton Sports Centre last Thursday. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/rugby_league/rochdale_hornets/s/1047434_hornets_reserves_38__28_oldham_reserves_ Mon, 28 Apr 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/rochdale/s/1047153_bury_1_rochdale_1 Adam Le Fondre’s spot kick in the 89th minute earned Rochdale a share of the spoils in a game ruined by referee Michael Jones. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/rochdale/s/1047153_bury_1_rochdale_1 Fri, 25 Apr 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/rochdale/s/1047125_form_is_second_to_none KEITH HILL takes his promotion-chasing side to Gigg Lane today heralding Dale the form team in the country, let alone League Two. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/rochdale/s/1047125_form_is_second_to_none Fri, 25 Apr 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/rochdale/s/1047124_hill_derby_no_different GIGG Lane is gearing up for its biggest gate of the season as arch-rivals Rochdale arrive in town this afternoon. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/rochdale/s/1047124_hill_derby_no_different Fri, 25 Apr 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/rugby_league/rochdale_hornets/s/1047120_goulding_aims_to_end_roughyeds_home_record HORNETS travel to Boundary Park tomorrow determined to end Oldham Roughyeds 100 per cent winning home record. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/rugby_league/rochdale_hornets/s/1047120_goulding_aims_to_end_roughyeds_home_record Fri, 25 Apr 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/cricket/s/1047126_redbrook_retainment_task IT’S often said that retaining a title is more difficult than winning it in the first place, and a look at Rochdale Carcraft’s record over the past decade or so clearly illustrates that. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/cricket/s/1047126_redbrook_retainment_task Fri, 25 Apr 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/cricket/s/1047127_milnrow_an_unknown_quantity_with_quality PREDICTING Milnrow’s fortunes is a tough call, for the Harbour Lane outfit come into the campaign as something of an unknown quantity. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/cricket/s/1047127_milnrow_an_unknown_quantity_with_quality Fri, 25 Apr 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/cricket/s/1047128_littleborough_hopes_raised_by_ali_cousins LITTLEBOROUGH are looking to a blend of youth and experience as they seek to improve on last season. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/cricket/s/1047128_littleborough_hopes_raised_by_ali_cousins Fri, 25 Apr 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/cricket/s/1047129_norden_ready_for_life_after_mujtaba NORDEN start their season where they finished the last one – at Crompton’s Glebe Street ground. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/cricket/s/1047129_norden_ready_for_life_after_mujtaba Fri, 25 Apr 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/rugby_union/s/1047121_close_call_but_rochdale_reach_final ROCHDALE Rugby Union Club’s Senior Colts travelled to play a much-fancied Widnes’ side in a semi-final of the Halbro North West Colts League Plate and made progress with a 14-13 victory. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/rugby_union/s/1047121_close_call_but_rochdale_reach_final Fri, 25 Apr 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/s/1047123_brocklehurst_takes_advantage RUNNING: THE Steve Rothwell four-mile memorial race held in Norden attracted around 200 runners, despite there being snow in the air and menacing clouds on the horizon. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/s/1047123_brocklehurst_takes_advantage Fri, 25 Apr 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/s/1047119_new_tactics_work_for_shand CYCLING: IT WAS success on two levels for the racing Shands last weekend, with an outright win for 57-year old Kev and a great show from European based Daniel in his first big stage race. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/s/1047119_new_tactics_work_for_shand Fri, 25 Apr 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/rochdale/s/1046344_playoff_position_assured A remarkable achievement – that was Keith Hill’s verdict after Rochdale sealed their place in the play-offs with victory over Morecambe. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/football/rochdale/s/1046344_playoff_position_assured Mon, 21 Apr 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/rugby_league/rochdale_hornets/s/1046347_a_display_to_be_proud_of BOBBIE Goulding put his frustrations to one side following the fourth round Powergen Cup defeat against Super League Hull FC at Spotland on Sunday. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/rugby_league/rochdale_hornets/s/1046347_a_display_to_be_proud_of Mon, 21 Apr 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/rugby_league/rochdale_hornets/s/1046349_hornets_5__42___hull_fc RUGBY League officials are an easy target for fans and coaches alike, but sometimes they don’t help themselves. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/rugby_league/rochdale_hornets/s/1046349_hornets_5__42___hull_fc Mon, 21 Apr 2008 23:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/rugby_league/rochdale_hornets/s/1046351_pop_star_paul_on_record_with_hornets AND now they are going to believe him – former Hornets’ second rower Paul Nellist is a pop star! http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/sport/rugby_league/rochdale_hornets/s/1046351_pop_star_paul_on_record_with_hornets Mon, 21 Apr 2008 23:00:00 -0000