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Rover Oxford Ladies guaranteed they will be playing in the Slazenger England League again next season with a dramatic 6-5 win at Bradford on Saturday.

The Rover players woke to snow falling and worried that their game in Yorkshire would be postponed 24 hours. However, by midday the pitch had cleared.

Bradford started at a brisk pace and took Rover somewhat by surprise.

Inside eight minutes, Bradford won a short corner and scored from a straight strike.

This seemed to wake Rover up and they started to put together some convincing attacking play.

Rover goalkeeper Caroline McCulloch kept her cool to save a penalty stroke, which spurred the visitors on.

Two short corners won in quick succession gave Rover the chance to level and although Laura Smyth's shot was saved by the keeper, Jess RIckman pounced on the rebound.

Two minutes into the second half, a right-sided attack from Jo Hayter and Smyth set up Vicky Mankelow to put Rover into the lead.

However, two goals in quick succession fired Bradford back in front before Leanne Grimsley levelled to make it 3-3.

Bradford were awarded another stroke, and this time, it was slotted home.

Rover were rattled once again, and the home side capitalised to push further ahead at 5-3.

As hail came down, both teams were now battling against the elements.

The game looked out of reach, but Rover pulled themselves together for a second time.

A Bradford player was yellow-carded for a tackle with the back of her stick and this left space for Grimsley to fire in her second goal.

Lyn Cockshott then added her name to the scoresheet to make it 5-5 with seven minutes to go.

As the sun came out, Livvy Lacey got her first goal of the season and probably Rover's most important goal of the campaign.

The Oxford side held on for just one more minute for a win which, to their relief, keeps them out of the relegation play-offs.

4:10pm Monday 7th April 2008

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