Daisy Mason’s 41st-minute strike for her first goal for the club proved only to be a consolation with the home side finding a three-goal lead within half an hour.
The Saints came flying out the traps and took the lead within five minutes when Sophie Griffiths centered for Liv Hussey to smash home into the top corner.
Dale did respond well initially to that early setback but the resolute backline from the hosts stayed strong to any positive Dale moves.
Despite this, St Helens would grab the next goal 20 minutes later. Griffiths again at the forefront of the attacks as she won possession high up the field and supplied Sarah Mitchell for two.
Their relentless start to the season, which had now seen them net over 30 goals already, was evident as they made it three. Dervla Mannion this time putting the ball home after a defensive mix-up.
Dale were yet to get top goalscorer Sophie Coates in the game but she did find herself in space shortly after, firing low which the goalkeeper could only parry to Mason who made no mistake.
The second-half saw Dale become the more dominant team as they put pressure on the Merseyside defence but everything attempted was rebuffed throughout the half as Dale were forced to leave empty-handed.
Gaffer Lee Atkinson spoke with the press following the game, knowing errors will have to be eradicted should Dale enjoy a successful season.
“Overall, it was a slow start and our errors were punished”, says Atkinson.
“Our response was brilliant as we tried to put the wrongs right in the second-half.
“We got at the home team but big saves and defensive performances from St Helens denied us in finding a way back in.
“We have to build on how we finished the game into a big one this weekend”.
Dale XI | Nolan, E.Jones, Malpus, Whyte, Valente, Coates, Barnett, King, O.Jones, Mason, Burke.
Subs | Strudwick, Dale, Duckworth, Lister, Southworth.
