On Air Now

Totally 80s

10:00pm - Midnight

Now Playing

The Cult

Lil' Devil

Listen Live Watch

Hornets fight back to beat Workington and stay unbeaten

Monday, 2 February 2026 12:02

By David Murphy

Credit: Malcolm Journeaux

Late tries from Boyd and Nixon seal hard-earned win for Rochdale Hornets in home opener

Rochdale Hornets made it two wins from two in the Betfred League 1 after overcoming a slow start to defeat Workington Town 20-14 at the Crown Oil Arena.

The Cumbrians scored twice in the first half to take control, but Gary Thornton’s side hit back through TJ Boyd and dominated the second period, with Dan Nixon and Boyd again crossing to turn the tie.

Workington started the brighter, opening the scoring inside four minutes when Mason Lewthwaite pounced on a low kick to touch down. The Hornets responded with pressure but failed to convert two repeat sets into points.

Brandon Leigh added Town’s second ten minutes before the break in controversial fashion. Many in the stands thought Zarrin Galea had knocked on under a high ball, but the loose ball was hacked forward and grounded by Leigh.

Rochdale halved the deficit on the stroke of half-time when Jamie Dallimore’s weighted kick was finished by Boyd, giving the hosts a much-needed boost heading into the break.

7 of 18

More Galleries

GMFRS respond to Fire at Lodge Mill Middleton, 29 March 2026
SPOTLAND LIVE Festival - 28 March 2026
Rochdale Culture Awards 2026
Rochdale Hornets 20 - 14 Workington Town Crown Oil Arena, Rochdale Championship
Photo: Malcolm Journeaux

Share

 

The second half saw a rejuvenated Hornets outfit assert themselves. Dallimore, central to most attacking moves, was tripped to earn a penalty early on, and Junior Sa’u went close soon after but was denied by committed defending.

The home side finally drew level when Joe Hickey’s pinpoint kick was gathered by Nixon, and Max Flanagan converted to make it 12-12. Boyd struck again minutes later, breaking free on the wing to score his second, with Flanagan again accurate from out wide.

With six minutes left, Nixon rose highest to claim another high kick and grab his second try, sealing the win and two competition points.

Although Rio Corkill scored a late consolation for the visitors, converted by Jake Carter, the Hornets had done enough to maintain their perfect start to the season.

Next up is a major Challenge Cup tie at home against Wigan Warriors on Sunday 8 February at 3pm.

Share

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

 

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local Sports

  • Bury extend lead at top with dominant win over Runcorn Linnets

    Through high winds, hail and rain a maelstrom of Bury attacks saw the Shakers overwhelm hosts Runcorn Linnets. Three first half goals from Jordan Lazenbury, Mo Touray and Bebeto Gomes gave Bury a win that strengthens their position at the top of the table.

  • FC St Helens 1-2 Ramsbottom United

    Rams had to dig deep but first half strikes from Jacob Holland-Wilkinson and Richie Baker, the latter direct from a corner kick, proved just enough for all three points.

  • AFC Liverpool 0-2 Ramsbottom United

    Ramsbottom United had the opportunity to show what they're made of as they travelled to the Atlantic Coast and the hinterland of the docks to play the ‘non-league Reds,’ AFC Liverpool, at Bootle on Tuesday evening.

  • Ramsbottom United 1-1 Litherland REMYCA

    Ramsbottom faced table propping Litherland at home under the lights on Tuesday evening, a glorious spring-like day led to a green pitch prepared by hard working volunteers. Litherland, clad in red, are enduring a torrid time this season, going through three managers but notched an impressive four-one victory at the weekend.

  • Ramsbottom United 1-0 Padiham

    Maine Walder’s free-kick on the half hour proved the difference in this hard-fought encounter with fellow promotion rivals Padiham at the HWRS on Saturday afternoon. A first home league win over our near rivals since all the way back in 2009.

  • Ramsbottom United 0-1 Euxton Villa

    The Rams lose their first home league game of the season and waste an opportunity to gain ground on leaders Wythenshawe.

  • Ramsbottom United beat Chadderton in high stakes clash to stay in title race

    A lovely spring day as Ramsbottom United welcomed an in-form Chadderton side, coming into the match of on a run of thirteen games unbeaten including eight straight victories, a daunting proposition, with both teams flying high in the North West Counties Premier League.

Comments

Add a comment

Log in to the club or enter your details below.

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

 

Recently Played

Newsletter

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

   

Coming up next On Air

  • Totally 80s

    10:00pm - Midnight

    with John Kelly playing the best 80's music throughout the decade

  • Weekends on Roch Valley Radio

    Midnight - 9:00am

  • Saturday Breakfast

    9:00am - 11:00am

  • Saturday Brunch

    11:00am - Noon

  • Weekends on Roch Valley Radio

    Noon - 1:00pm

  • Community Spotlight

    1:00pm - 3:00pm

    Join Tim and Geoff on The Community Spotlight show on Roch Valley Radio is a platform for local charities and organizations to share their work with the community.

Roch Valley Radio is a not-for-profit radio station serving Bury and Rochdale including the surrounding areas on DAB, your Smart Speakers and Online.

© Copyright 2026 Roch Valley Radio CIC. Powered by Aiir.