Alderley Edge put in their most professional performance of the season away at North Division One title challengers Sheffield Hallam.
Level on points going into the game in joint second place, the game had huge importance going forward. With enforced changes from last week's disappointing performance, Alderley reshuffled their formation.
From the outset Alderley Edge were hard working and determined not to give Sheffield an easy ride. Whilst the hosts had a lot of possession they were unable to create anything going forward. It was Alderley who took the lead when Ben Gregory was sent clear and his reverse stick shot had too much power for the 'keeper.
Sheffield attacked and they were awarded a series of penalty corners, but Alderley held firm, Joe Gregory impressing in a new defensive role. Still the hard work from forwards Coxon and Wildig and the ability to outlet through Sam Gregory meant Alderley were always a threat whilst on the whole keeping Sheffield pinned back.
Warburton and Williams were able to exert a level of control in midfield that had been lacking in previous weeks and with the energy of Drummond, Taylor and Jackson giving extra impetus it was no real surprise when Ben Gregory again was set free and in a similar position to his first goal he spotted the 'keeper leaving his front post unguarded and showed deadly accuracy firing home.
The second half was a similar story, Sheffield having the majority of possession but winning penalty corners rather than having shots on goal, which were well defended.
Alderley extended the lead further when good interplay up the right gave Gregory the chance to cross and Adam Wildig showed great instinct to nip in and divert the ball into the net. Alderley were then subjected to a large amount of pressure with first Riley making the initial save and Kay on the line saving the flicked rebound. More corners came and eventually Sheffield scored when a strike at goal deflected off the running defender and sailed into the net.
Sheffield kept pushing forward and leaving themselves exposed at the back Gregory and Wildig found themselves with a great chance but the 'keeper thwarted the attack. The gloss was added when Coxon was able to find Wildig in the D and he smartly finished.
On Sunday they made the short journey to Belle Vue to face City of Manchester, the game was very different from the day before with Manchester happier with the long ball game and using their running strength as their main attacking threat.
Alderley were a little slow out of the blocks but neither team made any real impression. The game was quite physical and Alderley needed a while to adjust to the style required. Sam Gregory went close getting a neat deflection on Ben Gregory's cross but the 'keeper pulled off a very good save.
Alderley also won a couple of penalty corners but Manchester defended well and Gregory was unlucky to see his effort clear the crossbar. James Warburton eventually opened the scoring for Alderley, when the ball from the right hand side was pulled back to the top of the D and he finished with aplomb. Manchester were looking dangerous on the break and won a couple of corners of their own.
Alderley extended their lead when Coxon's cross was well picked up by Wildig and he showed good composure to beat the 'keeper. Just before half-time Manchester pulled one back when a couple of tackles were broken and the unmarked forward took his chance well.
The second half was more Alderley Edge possession, again Williams was dominant in the centre and Drummond and Taylor were seeing much more of the ball and Kay and Sam Gregory were linking very well up the right hand side. Manchester were a determined side and continued with their endeavours but unable to unlock the Alderley Edge back four with Scarsbrook having another solid game.
Alderley's pressure told when Joe Coxon was on hand in a melee in the D, he controlled a bobbling ball before dispatching it over the stranded 'keeper. As with the previous day, the final score was 4-1, with Warburton getting his 23rd goal of the season when his drag flick from a penalty corner whistled into the net.
Alderley Edge now sit top of North Division One, with a 3 point advantage, but tough fixtures to follow.
Menawhile the Men's Second team secured promotion to North West Division One with a 2-0 victory over City of Manchester on Sunday, in a game where due to unavailability Alderley had a team comprising some promising youngsters and some returning more mature players. Alderley had the better of the game throughout and won several penalty corners and this was the telling difference with Chris Hardy scoring two set pieces. Alderley still have 3 games remaining and a huge goal difference advantage to wrap up the title.
The 3rd team still harbour hopes of promotion after two draws at the weekend versus Deeside and Wilmslow, both of whom sit above them currently.
The 4s went down to Colwyn Bay, but the 5s had a resounding victory putting 10 past Deeside. The 6th team thumped Wilmslow's 4th team, 6-0, to maintain top spot in their league.
Photo: James Warburton and Adam Widig celebrating an Alderley goal.
This is a member post by James Riley.
