ALDERLEY Edge Hockey Club men's team have given themselves an uphill battle for National League Conference North survival after slipping to a last minute 4-3 defeat to Belper.

Edge started strongly and forced numerous penalty corners and saves from the Belper goalkeeper.

Alderley’s Dom Graham converted a penalty corner on 14 minutes to take the lead.

Belper created chances of their own, an equaliser came from a penalty stroke.

Edge responded well after good work from Ben Gregory, whose pace was a constant threat throughout.

His deflected cross was superbly finished by Simon Parr with an overhead smash Roger Federer would have been proud of.

Edge continued to create some glorious chances but failed with the final pass or shots to beat the keeper.

Belper equalised from another penalty corner after a couple of good saves by James Riley and some resolute Edge defending.

It was a similar story in the second half with Belper playing long and seeking corners and Edge looking dangerous on the counter.

Edge put themselves in pole position when Gregory ran through, rounded the keeper and scored from a wide angle to give Alderley a 3-2 lead with five minutes to play.

Belper then forced a penalty corner and scored to draw level.

With the last attack of the match another penalty corner was awarded to Belper. The initial shot was saved but the rebound was scrambled in.

With two games to go, two wins are required by the Alderley lads to have any chance of retaining National League status.

Alderley Edge women’s first team drew 3-3 with Beeston in their Investec Women’s National League Conference North encounter.

Zoe Thomas wiped out Beeston's early lead after great play by Lara Tabachnik but they fell behind again to goals scored either side of half-time.

The ladies left their best play to the final quarter, with Sarah Hopkin sliding the ball into the bottom corner at a penalty corner and scoring one of the best goals of the season – a powerful run and smash hit from the edge of the D into the top corner.

Edge keeper Grace Hardy made some important saves at critical moments, while Sarah Hopkin was the outstanding player of the match.

Alderley men's third team beat Moseley Hill 3-1 to win their league, and the boys under 12s became Cheshire champions.