Alderley Edge Men’s first team warmed up for the second half of the league season in great form, beating Premier League leaders Bowdon 4-1.
Alderley travelled to Bowdon with several experienced players missing, but the young guns produced a great performance.
Bowdon, who fielded a strong team including several players with National League experience, were dominant early on as Alderley familiarised themselves with the bouncy surface.
Just as Alderley were getting into the game a long ball from defence found a Bowdon forward unmarked and he did well to hold on to possession and squeeze his shot in.
Alderley competed well in midfield, Andy Williams continuing his good form and the pace of the forwards put Bowdon under pressure. Alderley equalised when a steal in the midfield released the Alderley forward line and neat interplay play between the Gregory brothers saw Joe free at the back post to apply the finish.
Adam Wildig had a chance to extend the lead, but was narrowly off target firing over the bar on the reverse stick side and Ben Gregory was unfortunate when his well timed run and quick cross shot was picked off by the Bowdon ‘keeper.
Andrew Drummond was introduced from the bench and he impressed with his range of passing and ability to find space. He also showed a scorer’s touch when he gave Alderley the lead fastening on to a loose ball in the D and hitting a reverse stick shot which had too much pace for the ‘keeper.
Wildig again went close to extending the lead, but again was narrowly wide. Bowdon also went close winning a brace of penalty corners and forcing James Riley into a decent save late in the half.
At half time Alderley were expecting a Bowdon onslaught. Bowdon showed attacking intent but an interception in the middle of the pitch released Taylor and Coxon, who passed to Ben Gregory in the D and his clever first time back hand shot left the ‘keeper stranded.
Bowdon, did increase the pressure, but they were thwarted by good defending from Cook and Scarsbrook. Sawas and Kay were tidy in possession allowing Alderley to avert any danger. There was a scrappy period of play as Bowdon's frustration boiled over and this was magnified as Williams took a very quick free hit and raced in on goal - the ball was worked out to the left and as the cross shot was fired in Sam Gregory was on hand to divert the ball over the line.
Drummond and Andrew Jackson showed good awareness and skill to maintain control of the ball for Alderley and help stifle any would be Bowdon attacks. On the occasions that Bowdon did break into the D they found Riley in good form.
Andrew Drummond was named Man of the Match for an impressive cameo and goal on debut.
A very pleasing display from all involved, showing that Alderley have real strength in depth. That should bode well for the chances of promotion for both the first and second team squads. Alderley Edge 1s currently sit top of North Division One and host Whitley Bay on Saturday. The 2s are top of North West Div 2, by 6 points and have an 8 point lead over their promotion rivals and travel to Brooklands this week.
This is a member post by James Riley.
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Could be just the player to help Edge get promotion!