Alderley Edge Hockey Club Men’s first team's promising start to their North League season hit a hitch in the derby game against Timperley.
Despite starting strongly, with Sam Gregory getting in on goal in the opening seconds only to see his pass get intercepted and winning a penalty corner only moments later, Alderley could not open the scoring. Further possession led to Alderley being in and around the Timperley D, but no clear shooting opportunity was created.
Timperley took the lead after Williams was extremely unfortunate to be sin-binned, and they made the extra man count and won a penalty corner. The drag-flick shot took a slight deflection and ended in the Alderley net.
Timperley extended their lead following Riley’s initial save, the Timperley striker was first to the ball, he held off would be tacklers before firing home on the reverse side. Confusion over a rule did not help either side with set pieces being ruled incorrectly illegal, the frustration did not help the game and spoilt some of Alderley’s attacking intent.
With Alderley pressing hard and forcing Timperley back, Ben Gregory and Warburton giving the Timperley backline problems and McPherson and Hanley seemingly on top in midfield, it was against the run of play when a counter attack lead to another Timperley goal. Again the initial shot was saved but the rebound was spectacularly finished with a chest high volley on the run.
The second half was a similar tale, with Sam Gregory able to beat his marker with ease, but strong and brave defending meant no clean goal scoring opportunities were created and Alderley rued several penalty corners not being converted.
McPherson was sent to the sin-bin following further confusion from an officiating decision, still Alderley pushed forward. As the game went on Alderley chased hard, pushing numbers forward, but the attacking intent was punished as Timperley twice caught Alderley on the counter attack.
Alderley thought they had won a penalty stroke when Warburton beat the keeper only to be halted in his tracks, however after discussion between the officials, it was decided that neither had seen the offence. Alderley then missed their most clear cut opportunity when Williams picked up a corner rebound and lifted the ball over the ‘keeper and the crossbar.
Credit to Timperley for strong, committed and resolute defending and for taking their chances when they arose. However, Alderley should not be too disheartened as despite the score line they did have the majority of possession and territory. They won twice as many penalty corners as their opponents but they must remember it is goals that win games.
