Rochdale AFC Ladies U16's revisited Thornton Cleveleys for their Annual Seaside Tournament, and, as in the previous year, returned successful.

However, this time they went one better by winning the Main Cup Competion.

Dale started the group campaign with a tough match against Bolton Wanderers. With both teams looking nervous, chances went begging at both ends and the game finished goalless.

Next were Preston N.E. and once again the match was a tight affair, until the ball broke to Coral O'Keefe on the half way line. With her lightening speed she split the defence and unleashed an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net, to claim the points for Dale.

Last years Plate Finalists, Burscough, were Dale's next opponents. Dale's pressure told when the centre half headed past her own keeper into the net.

1 - 0 to Dale again.

Frodsham proved to be very stubborn, with Dale camped in their half, but unable to make the breakthrough, resulting in another goalless draw.

Thornton, the hosts, were the next opposition, and with Dale playing their best football of the day, a goal feast ensued, with Fiona Reddin, Sophie Barton, Zoe Cooney and Ashley Grindrod all finding the net, and Dale running out 4 - 0 winners.

The final group game saw Dale pitted against Bradford City, who had already qualified for the Cup Final. To join Bradford in the final, Dale had to avoid defeat, and hope that Bolton did not win their last game by 5 goals. However, any nerves or worries were availed when Coral O'Keefe skipped past three challenges to slot the ball home, and give Dale a 1 - 0 win and a place in the final.   

From the kick-off, the Final was played at a hectic pace with both teams attacking at every opportunity and giving no quarter. Bradford's early forays were repelled as Dale's defence, marshalled by Lizzy Hamer and Becky Ashworth held firm. Dale gradually took control and finished the first half strongly, with Zoe Cooney, and Anna Genders going close.

In the second half Dale tightened their grip on the game with brilliant passing and movement. Bradford were having to defend desperately to keep Dale out.

Then good combination play between Sophie Barton, Candice Mather and Anna Genders released Zoe Cooney at the edge of the box. She unleashed a curling shot which beat the keeper, but was saved by Bradford's centre half as it was about to hit the net.

The ensuing penalty was taken by Coral O'Keefe, who held her nerve and coolly dispatched her shot into the bottom left hand corner of the goal.

Bradford were deflated, but tried to fight back. However, Dale were determined not give an inch, and the final whistle heralded Dale as worthy winners, with a great end to their season.

TEAM:

Becky Ashworth, Beth Walsh, Jenny Ashton, Anna Genders, Ashley Grindrod, Lizzy Hamer, Coral O'Keefe, Saffron Parfitt, Danielle Thorpe, Candice Mather, Rhianne Ward-Hilton, Zoe Cooney, Lizzie White, Sophie Barton, Fiona Reddin.