ALDERLEY Edge Hockey Club are joint leaders of the North Premier Hockey League after a convincing 2-0 win over Rotherham on Saturday.
They had been slow to start and were outnumbered in midfield, which caused a few tentative moments early on as Rotherham had some early chances.
As Alderley settled though, they started to command the game, patiently keeping the ball as James Milligan and Nick Sims enjoyed freedom down the flanks which set up goalscoring opportunities.
Young Rick Van-Ross was too much for the Rotherham defence, and twice came close with individual efforts before giving Edge the lead after fine play from skipper Ben Badger.
Alderley controlled the game after half-time and had most of the second-half possession with Danny Butterworth superb in midfield and the defence disciplined and solid.
The only answer Rotherham had was to constantly break down the Alderley attacks, which resulted in many free hits.
Inevitably it was a free hit outside the area that gave Edge their second goal, scored by Peter Shipston to keep Alderley's unbeaten record intact.
The second team just missed out on victory when Deeside snatched a late equaliser, the thirds were narrowly beaten, while the fourth, fifth and sixth teams all won.
