Warburton rolls Alderley to victory

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Alderley Edge Men’s 1s team began their North Hockey League Division 1 campaign with victory against a young and ambitious Sheffield Hallam side.

Both sides looked organised and well drilled. Alderley were sharper in the opening exchanges when in possession and hungrier when without the ball.

Alderley broke forward at pace but were a little indecisive when close to the circle failing to really test the Sheffield backline. Sheffield’s tactic appeared to be trying to get people on the end of strikes into the ‘D’ but there passes were wayward or were dealt with by the full backs, Badger and Williams.

As the pressure on the Sheffield backline mounted Alderley took the lead in bizarre fashion as a poor pass was mis-controlled by the defender, James Warburton nipped in and ran clear, with Ben Gregory free at the far post the ‘keeper gambled on a pass and left his near post wide open and Warburton simply rolled in from the edge of the circle.

The game turned into a slightly turgid affair with a midfield battle ensuing and both defences remaining on top. Barnes, Hanley and Butterworth all battled well and made use of possession gained, trying to open the play and provide a solid platform from which to attack. It was a tackle won which allowed an Alderley attack down the right which presented the next gilt edge opportunity. The goalkeeper diving out at a cross only to roll the ball straight to Warburton, whose first time reverse stick strike flew over the crossbar.

In the second half Sheffield looked to press but Alderley were able to pass their way out and counter attack. With Brown and Benton imperious at the back it meant Sheffield were unable to make inroads into the Alderley ‘D’, despite several players showing tidy skills. Alderley were in little difficulty throughout the whole match, with 'keeper Riley called upon just once in the entire game.

It was Alderley who should have extended their lead when Joe Gregory found himself with room to shoot only to fire wide of the near post. Alderley held on to possession well and ran down the clock to record an impressive league win.

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