Alderley Edge Men's 1s slipped to defeat against Preston in the North Premier league. In a fixture often with a bit of spice and plenty of goals, it was surprise that it was a fairly serene beginning, with neither team able to create any clear cut chances. Preston had the edge in possession with Alderley unable to click upfront, but Alderley were comfortable at the back with the returning Cresey keeping things solid and Mattingly comfortable on the ball.
Preston had a couple of chances with a reverse stick shot from the circles edge and a penalty corner, but Riley was able to save. And McCormick tested the Preston 'keeper with a penalty corner.
As the half progressed it was Preston that opened the scoring, with a breakthrough in the middle of the pitch and despite the initial effort being partially blocked the ball fell towards the goal and the forward's momentum meant an easy tap in.
The second half was a little more even as again Alderley were organised defensively but found little change from their forays forward.
The game changed on two quick pieces of play from Preston and slow reactions from Alderley. Preston won a free hit and as Alderley backed off Preston took the ball quickly and were able to find a free player in the D. The striker made the most of the opportunity finishing well.
Alderley suffered a similar fate, when again from a free hit the Preston player held off would be tacklers to work his way into the D and allowed to shoot, his shot finding the far corner.
At 3-0 down Alderley had no choice but to push forward and Sam Gregory found some space to create the odd chance. Simon Parr hit a fierce half volley that was just a little too near the 'keeper. Then Alderley scored a penalty corner through Angus McCormick and went close with another that the defender did well to react and clear from the line. This was the nearest that they got to scoring as the link up play did not quite click and there was no more score.
It was a disappointing day for the second team in North division two, despite two more penalty corner goals from Chris Hardy, they went down 4-2 to Bebington first team. Alderley were not at their best and struggled to string meaningful passages of play together.
The 3rd team, who after successive promotions are finding their level in NW 3, had a competitive game with Bebington 2s, drawing 1-1 in a game that they could have won.
The 4s left their come back a little late after trailing 3-0, they pulled it back to 3-2, but ran out of time before they could find the equaliser.
It is better news for the 5th team, who had two games at the weekend, on Saturday they had a great 2-1 win over league leaders Mossley Hill and on Sunday jumped to the head of the table with a 2-2 draw with Bangor Uni.
The 6th team lost 4-0 to leaders Sandbach 1st team. The 7s played a friendly game with Buxton.
Match report by James Riley.
