Alderley Edge Hockey Club’s Under-18s came through a tough assignment in the south, beating King’s Lynn team Pelicans Hockey Club on penalties to reach the national finals of the EHB Plate competition.

After a cagey opening, Alderley asserted some control over the match, driven by Rob Hughes  in midfield. Although they created a few half-chances nothing was converted, and they had goalkeeper James Bateman to thank for a fantastic reaction save to keep the scores level following an incisive Pelicans break.

In the second half Pelicans started stronger and gave the Alderley defence a really torrid time but thanks to some composed tackling and covering the tide was gradually turned.

Following a period of sustained Edge pressure they took the lead due to a clever deflection from Brandon Few. 

As Pelicans tried to penetrate the Alderley defence a series of quick counter-attacks should have led to the decisive second goal, but the chances were missed.

Inevitably Pelicans attacked hard late in the game and grabbed a goal from close range.

The match was then decided by penalties, with Bateman saving Pelicans’ first effort and Andrew Jackson converting for Alderley.

Pelicans then missed again and Ed Laughton put Alderley two ahead. Pelicans made it 2-1 before Hughes scored for 3-1 and when Bateman made another save Alderley had made it through and will now play Marlow on April 13 at Old Loughtonians in London.