Lymm HC 1^st XI 9-0 Alderley Edge HC 5^th XI

Having gained promotion alongside ourselves last season and presenting us with good opposition, we anticipated another hard-fought match. Many of last season’s faces were there but a few younger players had been drafted into the Alderley side.

We started a high tempo game but sometimes rushed into unforced errors particularly with our passing. Such errors allowed the opposition to gain possession and attack regularly down our left flank. Defensively, we dealt with anything that was presented to us with a combination of solid tackling and teamwork at the back.

As we gained a tighter grip on the game we pressed forwards but too often went straight down the middle of the park or attempted long ‘killer’ passes that were simply cut out by the experienced Alderley players. The few moments of fluency in the 1^st half were rewarded with goals and although we led 3-0 at half time there was a clear sense of frustration with our style of play.

A few words of advice and encouragement from Andy, who we hope will soon participate on the playing side of the club, had the desired effect. Passes were shorter, more accurate and greater use was made of the midfield pairing of Phil and Ben to distribute the ball to the wings. The effect was plain to see as we shifted a further 6 goals in 35 mins. Impressive stuff!!!

We played a much better style of hockey and played around the opposition rather than through them. Full backs overlapped to create space, centre backs pivoted in the middle and the forwards worked tirelessly to shift the point of attack. The goals were shared amongst the team but special mention must go to Army for four girlie slaps (although 1 of them was played handsomely at chest level). All of the 9 goals were from close range which bears testimony to the high quality of the passing movements that preceded each goal.

At the end of the game, Alderley were genuine in their congratulations and many of their players wished us well for the season. This was reflective of the spirit in which the game was played. Our thanks also go to the 2 umpires who did a very good job. Ben may dispute this last statement as I’m sure his parting words from the club, several hours after the final whistle had been blown were “…. and it was a bloody goal!!”