Hanna Chlodek’s 40th-minute strike, which drew Dale level, and Sophie Coates’ 35th goal of the season proved to be just consolation goals as the Merseyside outfit made it three wins from three in games between the sides this season.
St Helens fashioned the first opening, which was blazed well over the bar, after working the ball through the middle of Dale’s defence.
The hosts kept up the pressure and put a dangerous ball into the box, but no one was there to tap the ball into what seemed an open net.
After 21 minutes, St Helens’ pressure told as they took the lead. The ball was played through to Tessa Littler who took a touch and looped an effort over the top of Tanya Nash, who got a piece of it but couldn’t prevent it from finding the target.
Dale created an opportunity to hit back however, Daisy Mason’s cross was safely met by St Helens’ goalkeeper.
St Helens then ran through the midfield, creating another golden opportunity to double their lead, yet again missed the chance to do so.
Dale’s number Gracie Smith made an intelligent off the ball run, which allowed the in-form Chlodek a chance to run with the ball, seeing her shot well saved.
It wasn’t long till Dale found an equaliser as they kept knocking on the door. Chlodek placed through by her strike partner Coates, and chipped the goalkeeper, who had no chance of stopping the ball from crossing the goal-line.
With two minutes added at the end of the first-half, St Helens regained the advantage from a corner. Megan Barlow the quickest to react as she headed down and into the corner to separate the sides again.
The break in play seemed to spur the hosts on even more as they stretched their lead within seconds of the restart, Ashley Beard this time clinically firing into the far corner.
Dale kept pushing to try and get back into the game, with nice link-up play in the final third but no one in a blue shirt able to convert.
Coates was played through and squared the ball to Chlodek, she slotted the ball into the back of the net from an acute angle but St Helens were saved by the offside flag on the far side.
Coates, was once again played through on goal and broke the offside trap. She timed her run to perfection, took the ball round the ‘keeper and pulled one back with 25 minutes remaining.
A chance fell to substitute Alicia Barnett, who saw her late effort blocked in the game’s final opportunity.
Dale gaffer Lee Atkinson was reflective in defeat, knowing there’s still much to play for in the season.
“We’re obviously disappointed.
“We felt like we deserved something two weeks ago (against St Helens) and we feel the same again.
“The final 30 minutes I thought we were really good.
“We’ll pick ourselves up, go again and build off the positives.”
Dale XI | Nash, Jones, Malpus (c), Whyte, Smith, Coates, Duckworth, King, Chlodek, Southworth, Mason
Subs | Jackson, Hayden, Barnett, Cocking
