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Festive recharge on cards

Neil Goulding
17/12/2004

Lacrosse

ROCHDALE chairman Allan Collingwood believes his side need a Christmas break to recharge their batteries.

And who could argue with him, especially with his side rooted to the foot of the Premier Division.

The Bridgefold Road club were thumped 23-2 by Mellor, the 2001 league champions, at the weekend and Collingwood knows his team will have to play better if they are going to avoid relegation.

"We didn't do very well, it was an absolute drubbing," admitted Collingwood, who only saw Glenn Humphries and Nick Smith on the scoresheet.

"The spirit is high in the team, but we need a break over Christmas. It's been the toughest season we've had for a few years."

Rochdale have been plagued by injuries this campaign, with skipper Neil Marshall - the promising England under 19 international - and Nick Nugent still both missing.

"We've had injury problems in a few positions, but we are not playing good team lacrosse at the moment, and we know we need to change that," added Collingwood.

"Hopefully the New Year will bring a change. A New Year, a new optimistic look on things."

Rochdale's job won't be made any easier with Cheadle, the former double winners, their opponents on Saturday.

"I don't think we've ever beaten Cheadle before," said the Rochdale chairman.

"They are in good form and I think we'll be very lucky if we beat them. We just need a rest to recharge out batteries."