Chris Hardy made it 10 goals in five games as he fired in 4 to give Alderley Edge Men's 2s a resounding 5-1 victory in North Division two. Defender Chris, has fast become a set piece specialist and he completed a hat-trick from penalty corners and also converted from the penalty spot as Alderley Edge ran out 5-1 winners in their clash with Liverpool based Northern HC.
In a game that Alderley had the upper hand in throughout, Andy Williams was particularly impressive in the middle of the park and Andrew Wood's overlapping runs caused Northern issues. The fifth Alderley goal came in the last minute, when the returning Khalid Sawas sent forward a raking pass that picked out Joe Coxon's run he accelerated into the D and produced a chipped finish over the 'keeper and into the far top corner.
Hoping to keep their unbeaten record this season and remain top of the league the 5th team scored first through Finn Allenby and were looking good playing good hockey. Chester however got a goal back almost immediately but Alderley battled back and were 2-1 up by half time thanks to Allenby's second with a flicked finish from a Callum Stewart cross. It was Allenby's day as he grabbed two more in the second half as Alderley ran out 4-1 winners.
It was not such good news for the first team as they travelled to Whitley Bay, in a game that Alderley did not get a foothold in until it was too late.
Throughout the game Whitley Bay were quicker to the tackle and better in possession. Alderley fell behind when Whitley Bay reacted quickest after the initial effort was blocked. It was two when a lack of marking allowed a free player to pick his spot.
Alderley were breaking and getting in behind the Whitley Bay back line, but poor decision making or execution meant they failed to test the keeper. Simon Parr did go close when he broke into the D and his reverse stick effort came back off the post.
On the stroke of half time Whitley Bay had the chance to further ahead from a penalty corner but James Riley pulled off a smart save. This was hoped to be the spark to cause a second half fight back and Alderley started brightly as Warburton broke through a couple of challenges and headed up the wing. But then the passing broke down and Whitley Bay worked the opportunity well and increased their lead.
Disaster struck almost immediately as poor passing around the back put Cresey in trouble and again the attacker had a clear run at goal and made the most of the chance.
Alderley were scrappy in their play and failed to really test the Whitley Bay defence and it was 5-0 when the hosts showed more determination to make the most of a scramble near the line after their first attempts had been saved and eventually they forced the ball in.
Alderley had more chances from there on in as Sam Gregory and Ciaran Sanders linked up better and Ben Gregory's determination gave some attacking threat. A penalty corner attempt narrowly failed to come off and the keeper was able to deal with any shots on target. A very disappointing performance and they hope to bounce back at home against Gateshead next week.
The 3rd team had an entertaining 3-3 draw away against Triton.
The 4s played Deeside 5s and were hoping for a win against a team placed lower in the league. Leading 3-0 at half time, the team hoped for a big win but Deeside battled all the way and got 2 late goals to make it 4-2. Dan Farrer was the man of the match after opening the scoring and providing the assists for the other goals scored by Richard Williams (2) and Roland Alston.
The 6s played Timperley 5s hoping to pull back a win after losses to the top sides in the league. The game started well with both teams playing some good hockey and very little between the two. In the end it was Timperley who broke the deadlock and then went on to score a further two goals with the Alderley pulling one back thanks to a well worked short corner between Andy Fluck and Andy Davidson. A hard fought game that could have gone either way.
The 7s had a good win 3-2 against Triton 4s, thanks to the industry of their youngsters including Morgan Jennings and Greg Johnson. The game was hard fought and the result was not popular with the visitors.
Match report by James Riley.
Photo: Men's 2nd team.
