In the league programme this weekend all of Alderley's teams picked up points winning 10 of their 14 fixtures.
In the Men's North Premier division on Sunday the first team hosted Sheffield University Bankers and it was another high scoring thriller which has marked the first half of the season.
Alderley lead by the impressive James Warburton were quick out of the blocks and put pressure on the Bankers backline forcing their opponents in to turning over the ball and setting siege on the D. They were rewarded with the opening goal when Sam Gregory was on hand to neatly finish. It was two when Tim Pont's initial shot from a penalty corner came back to him and he struck the half volley into the bottom corner.
Bankers mounted some more structured attacks and a clumsy challenge gave them a penalty corner, which they managed to force the ball home. Alderley were then forced to play the next 30 minutes with ten men as Joe Coxon was sin-binned.
This brought Bankers back into the game and they equalised when they managed to keep the ball live in the D after the initial save from a penalty corner. Alderley were on the back foot but defended excellently with Badger and Pont outstanding and 16 year old Rob Hughes a calming influence in only his second game at this level.
However, things got worse for Alderley as early in the second half Bankers were able to maintain possession and find an unmarked player by the far post for the simplest of goals. Immediately Alderley sent the ball forward and the Bankers defence switched off Gregory and Warburton again combined to score a fantastic breakaway goal.
Alderley were then back to 11 players and scored the goal of the game, Riley cleared the ball to Williams who found Wildig in the attacking third who in turn passed to Warburton, who crossed for Sam Gregory to slide in to give Alderley the lead.
Bankers came back again when a clearance fell to an attacker in the circle and he managed to find a finish. But the action was not over as only minutes later Pont's aerial pass eluded the Bankers defence and Gregory teed up Warburton to make the score 5-4. Alderley were able to see out time and deservedly take all 3 points.
The previous day Alderley faced Leeds Gryphons and went behind to a volleyed goal but quickly equalised through a Tim Pont penalty corner. Leeds retook the lead with a corner of their own. In the second half Alderley produced a sterling display but could not find the equaliser, squandering a couple of corner opportunities and Leeds scored in the last minute to make it 3-1.
Alderley Edge Men's second team recorded another fine victory, this time away at Southport. This cements their place in the top two of North West Div One. Alderley Edge took the lead when Matt Hardy won a penalty corner and his brother Chris fired home. A defensive error allowed Southport back into the game to make it even at half time. Oli Wildig gave Alderley the lead with a clever snapshot finish. Southport again drew level through a short corner. Once again the Hardy combination put Alderley back in front, Chris dipping his penalty corner strike into the corner and in the final minute Wildig grabbed his second converting a Baker cross-shot.
The Men's threes faced two of the teams challenging for top spot in a double header this weekend. First up was Deeside and Alderley ran out 3-1 winners with goals from Oli Kennon, Jon Wildin and man of the match Jon Talbot.
Against second placed Oxton on Sunday Alderley were expecting their toughest challenge to date. In the end Alderley produced a fine performance and won 3-0, man of the match Oli Kennon with 2 and Andy Walker with the other. They have now played 11 won 11, scored 34 conceded 4 and have a 13 point gap over second place.
The 4s are now only 3 points off the promotion places following a hard fought 2-1 win over Sale seconds.
The 5s and 6s are both battling it out for promotion lying 2nd and 3rd and only the odd point off top spot, this weekend the 5s won 3-1 away at leaders Sale 3rd team. The 6th team's game versus Sale 4s did not go ahead.
Meanwhile the clubs newest side maintained their unbeaten record conceding late on to draw 1-1 with Chester.
In the Ladies section the 1s drew 0-0 to cement their place mid-table, 2nds drew 2-2 to move into second place, there were wins for the 3rd team 2-1 versus Wilmslow, the 4s put 7 past Whitchurch, the 5s beat Wilmslow 1-0 to go second and the 6s achieved a commendable draw with Neston.
As things stand it is looking like another good year for Alderley Edge Hockey club who have once again been voted Cheshire East Council Sports Club of the Year.
Match report by James Riley.
Photo by John Coxon.
