Alderley Edge have failed in their bid to wrap up the North Division One title a game early.
Travelling to Lytham St Annes and needing just a point Alderley started brightly whilst not at their best. Ben Gregory and Andy Taylor both shot wide and the 'keeper was heavily involved saving from Coxon and Wildig.
Alderley could have been awarded a penalty stroke when Sam Gregory rounded the 'keeper and in the act of shooting twice had his stick taken, but only a corner was awarded. There was no fluidity to Alderley's play as Lytham sat deep and Alderley were not able to break them down. The game was scoreless at half time.
The second half was similar with Lytham looking to play on the break. This worked as Lytham were awarded a penalty corner and whilst the initial effort was defended well, the clearance fell straight to a Lytham player who fired it into the D and the ball was slotted in from close range. This woke Alderley who attacked with more purpose and won a corner of their own. The ball eventually being played to Andrew Drummond who crashed a reverse stick shot into the backboard initially the goal was given but after protest the Umpires ruled the ball was too high in its flight.
Alderley then pushed hard and had plenty of possession, but could not break the resolute Lytham backline, although they did win several penalty corners, with a defender on the line making a good save from Warburton's flicked shot when the 'keeper was well beaten.
Alderley had the ball in the goal again late on as Taylor took a quick free hit ran to the D and played in his pass, the ball struck the post and in the subsequent melee Sam Gregory forced the ball in. Alderley celebrated, Lytham protested, again the Umpires conferred and again changed the decision, ruling that the ball had not travelled far enough before entering the D. Alderley tried to ring the changes but time ran out. Alderley now have a title decider against Whitley Bay next week at The Edge starting at noon.
This is a member post by James Riley.
