Alderley Edge Men’s hockey first team have hit the ground running in the North Division 1, following up last week’s win by defeating Stockton 8-3.
It was a real tale of two halves. Stockton started brightly, forcing Riley into early saves. But it was Alderley who won the first corner, Barnes unable to convert a rebound after Warburton’s initial shot was saved. Moments later an almost identical routine lead to the opening goal, with Barnes fierce strike having to much power for the ‘keeper this time.
Alderley’s controlled play was constantly disrupted, by errors and Stockton’s efforts, the visitors equalised when Alderley failed to clear up rebounds from saves made and as Stockton kept the ball alive, despite claims of a the ball hitting a foot, a mis-hit slashed shot was allowed to spin in.
Worse was to follow as a miscommunication after a substitution lead to an overload on the Alderley back line and Stockton worked the ball well and a slapped finish gave the Tees-siders the lead. Stockton made it 3-1, when Benton appeared to be charged off the ball, allowing the attacker a free run at goal.
The game was competitive throughout and the Umpires strictly enforced the rules, leading to a Stockton player going into the sin-bin. Alderley regained some composure but could not take advantage before half time.
The second half was a complete opposite Alderley kept better possession, tiring their opponents. Ben Gregory was the main benefactor, scoring with smart finish before levelling the game when set free against the last defender, beating him with ease before rounding the goalkeeper and rolling home.
The game was broken up as Alderley went down to nine men McPherson was penalised for starting too quickly and then reacting to a deliberate foul, with his opponent also sent to the sidelines. Butterworth soon joined them when judged to not retreat far enough way from a free hit. Benton was then taken to hospital with a dislocated and potentially broken finger.
Alderley continued to keep possession with McGoun filling in the midfield tidily and Hanley showing his experience ensuring the passing was tidy. When back to 11 v 11, Sam Gregory broke free on the right before crossing for Warburton to finish.
Alderley were attacking at will and pinning Stockton back, and Warburton stretched the lead with a good close range finish.
Another Stockton player was sent to the sin-bin for a deliberate push and Williams was for adjudged to have committed a similar foul and suffered the same punishment.
McGoun grabbed the next after a tidy passing move. McPherson drilled home another with his shot having to much pace for the reserve ‘keeper and the rout was completed as Warburton gabbed his hat-trick.
Alderley travel to Newcastle-Upon-Tyne next week.
