In North Premier division Alderley Edge men's first team travelled to league leaders Oxton. The game was played at reasonable tempo with both teams playing good hockey. Oxton had the better of the possession in the early stages and James Riley was called into action to keep the game scoreless. Alderley had a couple of chances on the break away as Sam Gregory and Joe Coxon gave pace and width to the attacks.
Oxton took the lead from a slick penalty corner routine. Ben Whitehead and Ben Badger were both defending well and stemming the majority of the Oxton attacks whilst Williams and Warburton ensured the midfield was evenly fought. Alderley's best chance fell to Raj Kay when he arrived at the back post to meet a well paced cross but he could not beat the onrushing 'keeper. Oxton had another corner on the stroke of half time and tried a similar routine which was well saved.
Alderley came out fighting in the second half and were level when they won their first penalty corner of the match and Tim Pont once again showed his prowess from the set-piece.
The game evened out with Oxton looking for the long pass whilst Alderley started to press and have more possession in the attacking half, but were unable to get clear shots on goal. As the game swung one way then the other Oxton took the lead when the ball appeared to hit Joe Gregory on the body and as the whistle went Alderley were caught out and they broke away and had the easiest finish at the far post. To compound matters Alderley were soon down to 10 men. Alderley held out and just before Pont returned to the action it was an Oxton players turn to be sin-binned. Alderley tried to make the most of their numerical advantage but Oxton defended well. With both teams back to full strength Wildig had a half chance but his effort was saved.
Oxton then had the perfect opportunity to seal the points, as following a penalty corner they were awarded a penalty stroke, but Riley pulled off the save. In the final throws of the game Alderley won a penalty corner but it was saved and Oxton ran out 2-1 winners.
Alderley Edge Men's 2nd team hosted Oxton and fought back well to claim a 3-2 victory. In a well structured game both teams relied on their penalty corner routines. Neil Hanley opened the scoring smashing a rebound high into the net. Oxton then took the lead scoring two similar corner routines in quick succession. Chris Hardy struck to level things up and with time running out Laurence Barnes calmly lifted the ball over the 'keeper to give Alderley Edge all three points and open a gap between themselves and the other promotion contenders.
The result of the day was the 6th team's 8-0 thumping of Triton, travelling with a mixture of youth and experience Alderley made light work of their hosts and hat-tricks from Mike Thirsk and Andrew Wilson. Finn Allenby grabbing the other two including a reverse stick strike into the top corner.
The 4th team ran out 4-2 winners away at Oxton and the 5s 3-1 victors over South Manchester.
Alderley Edge ladies 1st team made the short journey to local rival Wilmslow in North Division 2. It was the visitors who showed the most commitment throughout and won the majority of 50/50 tackles. Using the space well and playing together as a team Alderley Edge ran out convincing 4-0 winners with the goals coming from Ruby Peters and Emily Spencer penalty corners and open play strikes from Judith Offer and Holly Smith.
Photo James Riley saves, courtesy of John Coxon Photography.
Match report by James Riley.
