HOCKEY: Alderley Edge had reason for cheer on a busy weekend of hockey, as the men’s second team secured promotion to NW Division One with a 2-0 victory over City of Manchester.

After going down 3-2 at Liverpool the previous day, Alderley fielded a much-changed team with a strong mix of youth and maturity and had the better of the game throughout.

With several penalty corners won the telling difference was Chris Hardy, who scored at two set pieces.

Alderley still have three games remaining and a huge goal difference advantage to wrap up the title.

Edge’s firsts put in their most professional performance of the season, a 4-1 win at North Division One title challengers Sheffield Hallam to go into top spot.

Alderley took the lead when Ben Gregory was sent clear to reverse one in. Gregory doubled the lead before the break with a fine near-post finish.

Gregory turned provider for Adam Wildig to score number three and, although Sheffield pulled a goal back, Wildig completed the scoring late on.

Edge chalked up another 4-1 win on Sunday against City of Manchester.

After James Warburton’s opener, Wildig hit number two but City halved the deficit before half-time.

Joe Coxon pounced to score the third and Warburton’s 23rd of the season made it 4-1.