Anticipation building as teams gear up for
THIS week has seen a flurry of activity at AEHC as most teams enjoyed pre-season friendly fixtures ahead of the league season starting proper on 23 September.
There was also fantastic news for the club as Ladies 1st XI midfielder Caitlin Polley and Goalkeeper Nat Stevens were named as part of the England U16 and U18 training squads respectively.
“Huge congratulations go to both girls,” said Club President Graham Bryant while Caitlin, a student at Cheadle Hulme School added “I feel very excited and proud to have been selected. I’d also like to say thank you to the club and coaches for all their help in helping me to get this far.”
Elsewhere The Mens 1s faced Brooklands 1s and, although they lost 3-1, the match saw an inaugural club goal from Rob Trem. Overall, it was also a promising performance with a number of regular players still to come back into the squad. Moreover, good performances from Under 18 players Charles Barnes, Billy Hedley and Max Riding bodes well for the season ahead. The men face Didsbury Northern at home in their
MACCLESFIELD Town returned to winning ways on Saturday after a hardfought victory at Solihull Moors.
Scott Wilson got the only goal of the game for the Silkmen just after the hour mark to ensure that they took all three points from Damson Park.
Macc had to work hard for the victory though, as Shwan Jalal saved a penalty from Darren Carter in the second half while the match was still goalless.
Assistant manager Steve Watson was pleased that his team came out on top, especially as he felt they are capable of playing a lot better.
“We will play a lot better than that in the weeks to come, but, to come back from last week with an away win is great news for everybody,” he said.
“We’ve had to play players in different positions against Solihull – and we’ve also given players a chance that have been waiting for their chance.
“Shwan showed the life of a goalkeeper, making a mistake one week and pulling off a save like that is what it’s all about.
Good teams when they have a setback bounce back, despite anything else.
“We didn’t play particularly well against Solihull, but, we got three points which is all that matters.”
Macclesfield were quick out of the blocks against Solihull and went close after just two minutes when Wilson forced a save out of opposition goalkeeper Nathan Vaughan.
Keith Lowe was the next to threaten when he first North Premier League match in a fortnight.
The Mens 2s, 3s, 4s and 5s all had matches with their relevant opposition at Neston. The 2s beat Neston 1s in what was a good team performance with debuts for Ollie Andrews and Adam Robertson. Jake Rothwell scored the highlight goal of the match with a wonderful reverse stick finish from the top of the
The hosts couldn’t take advantage though, as Carter’s penalty was saved by Jalal to deny his opponent.
That proved to be a crucial save, as a few minutes later Macclesfield went up the other end and made the breakthrough.
Wilson managed to force his way through the crowded box before slotting into the back of the net to make it 1-0.
Thavon Campbell almost immediately hit back for Solihull when he tried his luck, but his shot was over the bar.
Both teams had chances in the closing stages but the score remained the same, with Macclesfield holding on to pick up a D. The 3s lost 3-2 away while the 4s and 5s both won their matches.
The Ladies 1s continued their preparation ahead of their step up to North Hockey Womens Premier League by taking on Brooklands 2s away. The match ended 1-1 with Lexi Archer scoring for Edge. The Ladies had a frustrating first half as a result of poor passing and running into contact. However, they came out much stronger in the second half and had most of the possession.
The Ladies 2s enjoyed a convincing 5-0 away win over Bowdon 3s. Edge were 3-0 up at half time with goals from Izzy Mowatt, Flossie Blackwell and Amy Colledge. Continued pressure and slick passing resulted in two more goals in the second half, both courtesy of Lois McTiffin.
A very young combined