On Sat 6th November another back to back fixture for the Ladies and Men's first teams of AEHC at the Edge in the England Hockey Vitality National North Conference leagues which saw well deserved victories for both teams.
Alderley Edge men v Beeston men 6-2 win
The men's team welcomed Beeston (Nottinghamshire) who sat above Alderley in the league, Alderley started the game well and caused Beeston a few problems with the press, creating several early chances that they couldn't quite convert. Against the run of play Beeston took the lead from their first penalty corner. However, it didn't take long before Man of the match Andrew Wood eventually converted one of the chances Alderley had created with a well struck strike into the bottom left corner. 1-1.
Alderley continued to play well with the ball with the defence of Wood, Bradbury, Riding and Jones moving the ball around well. Alderley soon took the lead through Ben Gregory who pounced on a loose ball after Parr and Warburton forced saves from the Beeston keeper and as the ball was rolling out of play Gregory slipped the ball over the line. 2-1 at half time and well deserved for Alderley.
Beeston managed to get back into the game when a lapse in concentration let the Beeston forward in behind the back line and lifted it nicely over the on-rushing Riley. After the Beeston goal the third quarter was very end to end with Riley making a few good saves and Alderley creating a lot of chances. Eventually a well worked corner from Alderley saw Wood find Warburton for his first goal of the season. Wood soon gave Alderley a bit of breathing room with a precise drag flick into the bottom corner. 4-2 to Alderley. With Beeston having to chase the game they were pushing forward but the back line, now including the veteran Hall who continues to roll back the years to filling in admirably at left back after young Scott Brown picked up an injury.
With Beeston pushing forward to get back in the game, Alderley extended their lead to 3 goals with a well taken finish from Gregory. Alderley rounded off a fine performance with Smith getting a well deserved goal to make it 6.
Alderley Edge Ladies Vs Didsbury Northern Ladies 1-0 win
Alderley were ready and determined to earn the 3 points from the onset, Alderley were strong, winning 50- 50 balls and having some stunning periods of play where they were linking passes all the way up the pitch.
Despite maintaining this intensity in both the first and second quarter and with some great leads from our forward line; Bex Ward, Immy Walker, Sacha Hateley and Tilly Hinds the score line remained 0-0.
The third quarter is when it all changed for Edge after they were awarded a penalty flick for a tackle in the circle. Bex Ward bravely stood up to take this, and with calmness and composure slotted the ball into the bottom left corner! 1-0.
Didsbury fought hard in the 4th quarter but Alderley stuck to their game and some brilliant defending from the whole team as well as some cracking saves from Grace Hardy ensured that no goal was conceded. A great team performance and many contenders for player of the match reflecting that , however Abi Sawyer for her phenomenal strength in defence and great delivery of passes was voted the winner.
Fantastic matches for both teams giving both squads great confidence as they make the long journey to play Durham University this coming Saturday.
