The Men's 1s made the long trip to York for their North Premier League fixture against the City's 1st XI. With seven Edge players either injured or not available for selection, this resulted in a much changed line up and a number of players playing out of their normal position. Unfortunately York's passing game was crisp, short and at speed and Edge found it difficult to cope, eventually conceding five goals and not being able to reply. They look forward to a number of players returning next week for their home fixture against Brooklands.
The Men's 2s had a better day with a 4-3 home win over a much-improved Crewe Vagrants 1s to maintain their title challenge in North League Division 2. In what turned out to be an action-packed game, Alderley started slowly which allowed Crewe to take the lead with an accurate shot from the edge of the circle. Alderley responded with two short corner attempts which were uncharacteristically missed, however parity was gained when Nick Sims was set through on goal and made no mistake with a calm finish. Alderley then took the lead when Matt Hardy and Nick Sims combined to win the ball high up the pitch and Sims hit the roof of the net with a trademark reverse stick shot. Unfortunately Crewe equalised just before half time with another accurate strike, this time a short corner flick scored via the inside of the post.
The second half was nearly a story of missed chances for Alderley as Crewe took the lead from another short corner leaving Alderley chasing the three points they desperately needed. However with 10 minutes remaining committed play in the Crewe circle from man of the match Todd Leddy presented Matt Hardy with time to shoot from a tight angle and his shot found its way high into the goal. Alderley then pushed hard for the winner and missed chances continued until defender Khalid Sawas completed his fine performance with a skilful reverse stick shot which flew under the keeper to give Alderley a dramatic victory.
The Men's 3s didn't have a game but the 4s enjoyed a brilliant 4-0 win against Colwyn Bay courtesy of fantastic passing hockey from all players and goals from Ed Fluck, Sean Neary and Jake Rothwell. Special mention must go to Charlie Toms for his versatility in playing in five different positions throughout the game.
The Men's 5s were away to Runcorn 1s for their North West League division 5 fixture. With only 10 men, Edge came from behind twice to draw 3-3 in what was a bad-tempered match and saw an additional goals from both teams disallowed.
After Runcorn took the lead Adam Allmand-Smith pulled a goal back from a disputed, and then expertly taken, penalty flick. Andy Walker then scored to take his season's total to 50 before Runcorn scored again to take a 3-2 lead. Skipper Will Hughes then equalised with 15 minutes remaining to equal the score. However, the drama and disputes were far from over. Runcorn were awarded a short corner at the final whistle; Keeper Martin Webb saved the first shot with his 'manhood' protector only for Runcorn to score from the rebound. This resulted in a debate between the two umpires before the goal was finally disallowed as the first shot was deemed illegal. Fingers crossed for a better tempered and less controversial game against Timperley 4s at the Edge next Saturday!
The Ladies 1s, still riding high at the top of North West division 2, played their fixture against Wrexham at the Edge on Tuesday night, giving them a well-deserved weekend off. Both teams fought hard and whilst Edge were in the ascendency they could not break down the Wrexham defence in the first half, resulting in a 0-0 stalemate at half time. However, this all changed two minutes into the second half and Edge ended up 4-0 winners with two goals apiece from Annie Hebb and Sarah Sarah Hopkin. This Saturday sees the Ladies away against Urmston who are currently 32 points behind them in the league.
The Ladies 2s had a great result, beating Macclesfield 1s 3-1 in Cheshire League division 2. With Macc only one place below Edge going into the game it was always going to be a tough affair and the opposition took the lead from a short corner strike which deflected past the Edge keeper. Edge gradually took control, playing wide rather than attacking through the very strong Macclesfield centre and equalised before half time. In the second half Edge dominated, with a goal from Jess Clitheroe after great work by Julia Tennant and then a fantastic reverse stick rocket from Ruby Nelson taking the lead to 3-1.
Alderley Ladies 3s sit second in Cheshire League division 2 after picking up one point away to Macclesfield Ladies 2s. Alderley made heavy weather of the match from the outset failing to optimise on a plethora of scoring opportunities. Edge had the majority of possession in the first half but a mature and experienced Macclesfield side defended well and frustrated the young Edge team. Three quarters through the first half, Macclesfield, on one of their rare breaks into the Edge half were awarded a short corner which they converted to open the scoring. After the half time break, Edge were determined to put things right and Nicola Hall was the player to do it with an excellent strike to level the score at 1 - 1. Despite Edge still dominating in attack the three points were to remain out of reach in this local derby game. Player of the match was awarded to Caitlin Polley.
The Ladies 4s enjoyed an emphatic 3-0 win against Northop Hall. The goals came from Mikhaila James, Julia Bewers and Katie Roberts but a great team performance should now see the 4s safely away from any relegation worries in Cheshire League division 3.
The Ladies 5s game against Triton also ended 3-0 to Edge in division 4, while the 6s thrashed Macclesfield ladies 4's 11-0 thanks to consistent and determined attacking play. Edge went out pushing for an early goal and Gemma Holland scored a great one with a clean shot from the edge of the Dee. A succession of short corners and great attacking saw a further four goals before half time followed by another six in the second half.
Photo: Mens 2s.
Match report by Sue Polley.
