Alderley Edge Men’s first team travelled to Stockton-on-Tees looking to close the gap on the leaders of North Division One.
Stockton flew out of the blocks and ‘keeper James Riley was called into action outside his D almost immediately. Soon after Stockton scored, when they won a penalty corner, the initial effort was saved but the rebound fell kindly for the Stockton player.
Alderley Edge soon equalised when good play up the left gave Joe Coxon a chance to shoot and his effort squeezed past the ‘keeper.
Alderley found their stride and increased the pressure on the home defence. The Alderley forwards were all working extremely hard to force Stockton into turning over possession. They reaped the rewards as Warburton, Wildig and Sam Gregory all made the most of the chances created and gave Alderley a 4-1 half time lead.
The second half was similar, with Stockton trying to play on the break but being thwarted, with Scarsbrook in good form and Alderley keeping possession through Williams and Barnes.
The show was stolen by Coxon, he made it 5-1 with a tidy finish, when good team play gave him space in the D and he ghosted past his marker and then the ‘keeper to complete his hat-trick.
Stockton grabbed a consolation to make the final score 6-2. Other results went Alderley Edge’s way and they currently sit top of the table.
This weekend they entertain Didsbury and on Sunday face Stockport Bramhall in the England Hockey Trophy at 12.15pm at the The Edge, the new playing facility on Wilmslow Road.
The second team suffered their first loss, going down 1-0 to Rhyl. The 3s had a comfortable 2-0 win versus Triton and the 4s drew 1-1 away at Colwyn Bay.
South Manchester beat the 5th team 6-2 and the 6th team moved towards the top of the division with a 3-0 win at Northop Hall.
This is a member post by James Riley.
