Another weekend of solid performances for AEHC's top Mens and Ladies teams as they consolidate league positions...
The Ladies 1s and 2s both maintained their unbeaten league records this weekend. The 1s drew 3-3 away against Harrogate 1s, with goals coming from Lexi Archer, Jen Park and Sarah Hopkin. They now sit fifth in North league 1 and face a tough home fixture against Bowden 2s, currently two places above them in the league, next week.
The Ladies were also in cup action on Sunday where they started the defence of the EHB Trophy they won at the Olympic Park last season. An easy 4-0 victory over Urmston 1s got their campaign off the best possible start.
The 2s faced a feisty and physical Macclesfield Ladies 1st XI in Cheshire league division 1. However, a resounding 5-1 victory, including a second hat trick for Jude Offer in as many weeks, saw Edge move above their rivals in the league to sit third in the table.
In the same league, the 3s entertained Bowdon 4s at the Edge and also picked up all three points with a 4-2 win. Millie Clee and Amy Colledge each scored one apiece, the other two Edge goals coming from Vickie Alexander.
Sadly the Ladies 4s lost their unbeaten run in division 3 going down 1-0 to Oxton 2s after conceding a scrappy goal. However, the 5s dominated their match against Lymm 5s in division 4, running out 5-0 winners at Kings Macc. Emma Fluck and Ella Jones both found the back of the net twice for Edge with Flossie Blackwell also getting on the scoresheet.
The Ladies 6s lost 5-3 to division 5 league leaders Crewe 3s and the 7s were unlucky to go down 1-0 to Oxton 4s in a result which didn't reflect the level of possession Edge's inexperienced team had throughout the game.
The Mens 1st XI notched their first win of the season in the North Premier league in a home fixture against Timperley 1s. Edge went out hard and two goals came in quick succession from James Warburton and Scott Ashdown. Timperley then regrouped but two more second half goals from Warburton secured the final score at 4-1.
The Men's 2s were also victorious in their North league division 1 fixture away against Liverpool University 1s. They overcame a slow pitch to secure a fairly comfortable 3-1 win. Man of the match Rick Burr came off the bench to give Edge the lead early in the first half but further chances weren't taken until midway through the second half when Joe Coxon scored from a penalty corner. In a desperate attempt to pull the score back in the final minutes of the game, Liverpool removed their goal keeper to play with 11 outfield players moments before Edge won a short corner. This resulted in a Chris Hardy strike being stopped on the line by a defender's foot. Captain Julian Scarsbrook then converted the subsequent penalty flick before Liverpool grabbed a consolation goal in the final minute. Edge now sits is fourth place in the league.
It was smiles all round for the 3s. Their 3-0 win over Timperley 3s sees them top of the table in North West division 3 on goal difference. They take on Deeside Ramblers 4s, who are currently sitting at the opposite end of the table, next week.
The news wasn't so good for Edge's young Mens 4s and 5s in division 4. The 4s lost 5-3 to Sale and the 5s were outclassed by the league leaders, the more experienced and organised Bowdon 4s.
A young Beavers team showed their potential playing some pleasing passing hockey and dominated play against a physically stronger Bolton side. Bolton ultimately won 2-0 against the run of play with a couple of breakaway goals, the mature Bolton keeper stopping several shots to the frustration of the Edge team.
Match report by Sue Polley.