WOMEN'S ENGLISH LEAGUE: Vicky Mankelow's second-half strike was enough to give Rover Oxford a 1-0 win in their opening league game at Deeside Ramblers.

(RAWXML: <image large="sport-hockey.gif" small="sport-hockey.gif" type="portrait"></image>In the first minute, Rover won two penalty corners, which were both well saved by the home keeper.

The home side found the back of the net in the 30th minute, from their first short corner, but the goal was disallowed.

Almost immediately, Rover attacked and were rewarded with a penalty stroke when a Deeside defender played the ball with her hand. However, Emily Malden's effort was saved by the keeper.

In the second half, Rover, with Claire Norton shining on the right, created more chances in open play before scoring from a short corner.

The initial shot from Emily Malden was blocked, but from the rebound Vicky Griffiths laid off the ball to Mankelow on the right post and she dived in to slot the ball home.

Deeside were then repelled by the resolute Rover defence with Kim Cook outstanding.