Alderley Edge Men’s Hockey 1st team got their North Division One campaign heading in the right direction following last week’s reverse.
Playing away at Belle Vue against City of Manchester, Alderley were out of the blocks quickly. They pinned their hosts inside their own half and had several half chances and won a series of penalty corners.
James McPherson hit the post from the first and it came as no surprise when the possession they enjoyed turned into goals. First McPherson spectacularly fired high into the net after his initial effort was saved. Then Adam Wildig making his first appearance of the season robbed the full back and held of challenges and with options available spotted the keeper moving and cleverly finished.
Alderley then seemed to switch off and let Manchester back in. A cheap turn over in midfield allowed Manchester a two on one against the last Alderley defender and they worked the ball well and created a tap-in finish. Manchester would have equalised but for Riley pulling off a fine stick save. The game was soon level again when Alderley reacted slowly to the subsequent corner and Manchester worked the ball well and finished with a smart deflection into the roof of the net.
The second half started the same as the first, with Alderley in control, Khalid Sawas on debut impressed at the back along with Brown and Scarsbrook giving a solid foundation. With Sam Gregory having the beating of his marker, creating several opportunities and winning penalty corners more goals looked inevitable and when Barnes’ shot was blocked Warburton was quickest to react and fired home a smart finish. This time Alderley did not ease off and Manchester were forced to play on the break as Butterworth and Williams drove Alderley forward.
Ill discipline hampered Manchester’s chances and Alderley kept possession tidily and created more attacking opportunities, with Ben Gregory coming close on several occasions. The score line was given a fair reflection as McPherson’s penalty corner shot was deflected in by a defender. Alderley saw off the game with little concern and will look forward to the next few important weeks.
