Alderley Edge Hockey Club Ladies Ist team beat Sale Ladies HC 2-1 last Saturday in an exciting play off match to decide which of the teams will take a coveted place in the restructured North Hockey League next season.
The match took place at a neutral Pheonix Sports Club venue in Styal watched by a large crowd of enthusiastic supporters basking in glorious sunshine.
Alderley dominated the early play with their speedy forwards too quick for a rather static Sale defence. It was no surprise when an attack down the right with some slick inter passing resulted in Gemma Garton scoring from close range.
For twenty minutes Alderley kept up the pressure in the sweltering heat. Despite a great number of circle penetrations they could just not add to the score.
Sale gradually gained in confidence and had a period of pressure and a couple of penalty corners just before half time.
Sally Gale and Katie Marriot were outstanding in the Alderley defence and Captain Lyndsay Lomax in goal dealt calmly with some close range shots.
The second half was more even with both teams creating chances before Sale equalised after some slack Alderley marking. Things were not looking good for Alderley when the ever tenacious Judith Offer had to leave the pitch with a suspected broken collar bone.
This concerning setback seemed to galvanise ‘Edge. They played well on the break and forced a series of penalty corners. Keeping the ball wide on the flanks and getting players high up the pitch they unlocked the Sale defence and Sioned Davies was on hand to score the winning goal just two minutes from time.
The team enjoyed a post match champagne celebration back at the Club's Moss Lane clubhouse and now look forward to a place in the North Hockey League next season.
This is a member post by Kelvin Briggs.
