Brooklands showed why they were the current top team having the majority of possession. However, they were unable to create many chances, with Whitehead, Cresey and McCormick sticking to their task well and giving very little to the hardworking Brooklands forwards. The odd cross flashed across the goal and a penalty corner was sent wide.
Alderley were looking to spring counter attacks and the visiting defence needed to be on their toes. The game was scoreless at half time.
The second half was slightly more even with Simon Parr impressing in the middle for Alderley and Brooklands running more with the ball. Ben Gregory hit the near post with a cross shot and at the other end Alderley well defended a couple of penalty corners.
Mattingly was then sin-binned for a sliding challenge and in that 10 minute spell the game came to life, dogged defending repelled the Brooklands onslaught until a forward managed to hold on to the ball in the D drawing extra defenders over and the ball eventually fell kindly for a close range finish.
Almost immediately Brooklands then pushed for a second goal and committed players forward and were caught with a classy breakaway goal as the ball was played from defence and Sam Gregory and James warburton combined before supplying the cross for Adam Wildig to time his run to perfection and cleverly deflect the ball home.
The game was now into the final five minutes and both sides were looking for a winner. Alderley had a spell of pressure but were unable to get a shot on target.
Brooklands retook the lead when they won a free hit just outside the attacking third, with nobody closing the ball down they fired in a first time pass that was touched in just in front of the 'keeper.
Alderley kept fighting and in the last minute believed they won a penalty corner of their own, but the Umpire disagreed and the game finished 2-1.
The second team were decimated with six players unable to play due to injury, illness and unavailability. England U16 trialist Ted Heywood was called to up to keep goal and a makeshift line-up had to try to match a competitive Urmston side, the game finished a slightly flattering 5-0 to the hosts.
The 3s put in a remarkable performance playing the whole game without a goalkeeper; they took lead against their Brooklands counter parts and held on right up to the final minute when an equaliser came courtesy of a bit of a scramble following a penalty corner.
The fourth team were winners, defeating Bangor City first team 2-1, with Alex Jones and man of the match Danny Farrer with the goals.
League leaders Alderley Edge 5s, lost top spot as they slipped to defeat against South Cheshire. Forced to play without a recognised goalkeeper, they lost 3-2.
The 6s had an entertaining game away against Sale which finished with a 4-2 victory
The seventh string had a resounding 6-2 win away at Bramhall 3s, with the goals coming from Jed Hassid, John Barnes, Archie Wild and a hat-trick from Sam Buckingham.
Match report by James Riley.
