On The Edge.

2006/2007:

24/02/07:

Hade Edge 2 Farnley Terriers 1 AET

This Groom Cup 2nd tie had taken a long time coming after 3 postponed fixtures due to bad weather, but the majority of the supporters saw a decent free flowing game from both teams.
In the first half both teams tried to play some passing football, but both defences dominated and chances were at a premium. Long range shots from Bickerstaff and Gaukroger failed to test the Farnley keeper, followed by a number of set pieces which failed to force any openings. At the other end the Edge back four of Semple, John Dalton, Eddie Dalton and Cocker were in command with Berry clearing anything up behind them. Farnley played the ball around well from the back and Edge followed suite with good link up play between Clayton, Johnson and Gaukroger, with Taylor causing problems to the Farnley defence with his pace. Neither team had broken the deadlock at half time.

The second half continued in a similar fashion to the first but eventually Edge took the lead. A free kick from Semple was sent deep into the Farnley box and Eddie Dalton was the first to react to the loose ball to knock home. The score was soon brought level again. A good move down the Farnley left saw a forward beat the Edge defence to the ball and then coolly lob the on rushing Berry. More chances were occurring at either end as the game went on, Taylor, Johnson and Gaukroger all having shots at goal, and Eddie Dalton clearing off the line at the other end. The game finished 1-1 and extra time was needed.

Edge were the stronger in added time, having the luxury of 3 substitutes where as Farnley were struggling with a couple of injuries. This may have proved decisive as Gaukroger popped up in the Farnley area, and with a great piece of skill chested the ball down and volleyed powerfully into the roof of the net. Berry was then called into action at the other end to make an excellent low save. In the second half of extra time, both sets of players were weary and as Farnley pushed men forward, Edge defended stoutly to progress to the next round of the cup.

27/01/07:

Hade Edge 3 Coach and Horses 2

A slightly blustery day at Hade Edge saw the visit of Coach and Horses. After a lively opening from both teams it was the visitors who took the lead, the Edge defence mis-judged a through ball, and a forward had quick feet to round Berry and score.
Edge then dominated for a period of the game, the best chance falling to Gaukroger who headed wide. Berry then made a great save in the Edge goal, tipping over a fierce shot from inside the box. Povey then equalised with an individual long range effort that flew into the top corner. Edge then took the lead, a long ball into box from Eddie Dalton was flicked on by Scott Bissett and Povey out jumped the keeper to head home his second. John Dalton then made an excellent last gasp challenge to deny a Coach forward when through on goal. Some brave defending by Martin, Castleton and the rest of the Edge defence kept the score at 2-1 at half time.

The 2nd half started with some open end to end football and it was Coach and Horses who equalised, an initial shot from the edge of the area was saved by Berry but the follow up was squeezed home. At the other end Ryan Clayton fired over from inside the area before Brook made a brave block on the Edge line to deny a good strike from a Coach forward. Hade Edge then scored the decisive goal. Excellent work down the right by Taylor, saw him beat a couple of players before eventually squaring a ball to Povey who slotted into an empty net. Cronin and Bickerstaff were then brought on to provide some fresh legs. Edge held on in the final few minutes, Bickerstaff making a timely block from a corner right at the end of the game.

07/10/06:

FARNLEY 2 v 0 HADE EDGE

You have got to hand it to Hade Edge for how consistently inconsistent they are. This week the effort was there for the most part, and there was some good football for a change but the self belief is still missing. What they need is an injection of nous, a bit of guile, someone to put their foot on the ball and direct operations.
For all the hard work they put in they could never get control of this game because Farnley were every bit as committed, every bit as skilful and they had that bit extra when it mattered. That bit extra seemed to be that all eleven of their players had the same fight and spirit not to be beaten and they were a well drilled team. They were solid in defence, terrier like in midfield and had one really dangerous winger to cause problems all game. Edge were like a carbon copy of them but for the fact that a couple of players were unusually subdued, they are not all terrier like and as yet too many players lack the innate skill of anticipation.
In many ways it was like watching England, they are far too predictable and too easy to shut out because they want to play the lazy way. Pass and watch rather than pass and move. On the wide open spaces of Farnley Rec it works to a point, but fails when no one makes that final run into space or into the box and the man on the ball has little option left but to go it alone.
There wasn’t much goalmouth activity in this game but it was always close with chances pretty even overall but the home side went ahead just after the interval with a fierce drive from the edge of the box following a corner. Typically Edge won the first challenge but no-one anticipated where the ball might go and it was a free shot into a crowded area giving Bissett no chance.
Edge tried hard and played their best football of the season, in short spells. Ryan Clayton continues to impress as a ball player, if not with his tackling and movement, while Pedro ran his socks off all over the place. Martin was at his best in the centre of midfield and Eddie Dalton continues to be a colossus at the back.
It was inevitable in a game like this that as Edge threw men forward in the dying minutes, that Farnley would kill the game. A miss placed back-pass gave them a second two minutes from time, just before Martin missed the best chance of the match.
Coach Bissett was philosophical in defeat and praised the players for their effort and acknowledged that the home side deserved victory. A similar effort will be rewarded against lesser opponents but then Edge are not that consistent.
This Saturday starts a run of Cup matches with Bissett ringing the changes and taking a chance to see if there is some talent in the reserve side who can make a difference.
Don’t forget that Saturday is the annual Harvest jamboree with auctioneer Matt Robinson. All donations and buyers welcome.

Hade Edge Res.1-3 Westend

Hade Edge reserves are still looking for their first win of the season but the results don’t give credit to recent performances.
Edge started the day without influential midfield kingpins Steve Spooner with a cold and Liam Sullivan with a knee injury and keeper Rob Lofler with a rib injury forcing coach Willsdon with a major reshuffling of his side.
Edge started the game brightly forcing top of the table Westend onto the back foot with midfielders Shackleton, Beaumont, Dave Booth and the very impressive Sean Mitton running the game. Once again Edges injury woes reared its head again when defensive rock Steve Mckay had to go off after 10 minutes with a recurrence of his hamstring injury being replaced by team captain Matt Robinson on his return from injury.
Despite most of the possession it was Westend who opened the scoring when a cross held up in the wind it evaded Andy Daisey in goal curling into the top corner, and this is how the score remained till half time.
Edge looked glad of the rest and started the second half slowly but soon regained the pressure with Whitley and Cordiner having plenty of chances but converting none, and despite the good work Westend doubled their lead when they broke away Daisey saved the first effort but with him on the floor the visiting player lobbed the ball into the net.
Westend soon found themselves 3-0 up with Edge pressing forward and legs tiring the visitors surged forward giving the keeper no chance.
With 20 minutes to go Edge finally got the reward for all their hard work when Cordiner received the ball on the edge of the area with his back to goal, he spun and let fly all in one move with the ball nestling in the bottom corner, a sublime finish.
Edge soon had the ball in the net again only to be controversially disallowed for offside, Whitley picked the ball up clearly offside but the referee allowed play to continue, his shot was saved with the ball going to Cordiner’s head who was clearly onside but when his looped header landed in the net the referee decided he was offside, the referee must have had a severe case of delayed reaction.
Despite almost constant pressure Edge could not score and were disappointed with the result but with performances like these results will soon come and Westend went away relieved with 3 points.
All the team performed well with the defence of Rob Booth, Robinson, Bissett and Mike Johnson in fantastic form but old Has been Andy Bissett rolled back the years to gain the Man Of the Match and despite the ribbing many thanks to Adrian Hill for his excellent display of refereeing.

30/09/06:

HADE EDGE 3v1 FLOCKTON
What a difference a week makes to a football team. Last week it was woe, woe woe now it should be WHOA, hold your horses.
Coach Bissett took all the blame on himself for the embarrassment in the Colne Valley. Which was a hugely positive move and the players who pledged themselves to the team’s cause repaid him handsomely.
The preparation was thorough and the pre-match banter was sparkling all that was needed was the spirit and application ON the field and of course a bit of luck to go with it.
This was a lovely game to watch as both teams tried to play fast flowing football rather than the big boot, kick and run stuff we were getting used to seeing.
Bissett dropped himself to the bench and brought in Comins for a rare appearance.
Out went Stead to add weight to some other teams attack, Andy Bissett opted for the reserves,Ryan was injured again and Martin away, so it was a new look attack which took the field. The Whippet, Taylor playing alongside new boy Jacky Walker.Having two willing runners up front always gave the Edge defence an outlet and they put the Flockton defence under pressure at every opportunity. Flockton too were dangerous up front with pace and movement and they had the best chance early on when they missed an open goal with a soft header. An excellent referee, allowed Edge to play high up the pitch and claim many close offsides as the visitors threatened to break through. At the other end Pedro was rampant and his persistence let him in to fire into the bottom corner.Edge took control for a spell and Pedro had a lob cleared off the line, Walker hit the base of the post and Ed Dalton headed over from a corner.
In the second half Flockton came out strongly and built up a head of steam.Their midfield constantly ran at the home defence and a great solo effort put them level. A powerful run took the striker past 3 challenges and rounded the keeper to level.
They then had a harshly awarded free-kick deflected against the bar. They claimed a penalty when Eddie Dalton cleared off the line and Bissett dived to block a goal bound shot with his body, the ref was 100% certain the ball struck him on the belly and not his arms and he was better placed than anyone to make the decision.
Edge then had a stroke of luck. The visiting keeper anticipated an indirect free kick when in fact it was direct and Bissett contrived to get the ball straight into the net. Accident or design? Who knows? But it did change the game. Edge became a better side and played their best football as Flockton, surprisingly without a point this season, lost their confidence and shape.Pedro hit the side netting before Walker’s fancy footwork brought out a good save but the ball only fell to Turks who sealed the points for Edge.
Walker almost forced an own goal, while at the other end Comins had to be alert more than once.
This was an inspiring performance and the team spirit was excellent after the game. It proved the old adage, the harder you work the luckier you get. Next week, the other Edge may re-surface though.!

23/09/06:

COACH&HORSES 3 v 1 HADE EDGE.

Oh woe, woe and thrice woe. What a huge disappointment this game was. By the time this reporter arrived he had missed the best bits from an Edge perspective and it went from poor to bad to farce with little positive to take from the performance.
Pedro Taylor regained his enthusiasm after last weeks lack lustre effort and put Edge in front and the visitors should have wrapped the game up before half-time .Several good chances went begging. Two headers from corners went close and Gaukroger had the ball in the net, but it was chalked off for an apparent push, the video evidence is not conclusive either way. The home side did try to get the ball down and play football while Edge tended to go for the big boot and win set pieces.It was while Andy Bissett was strolling back from one such set piece that Coach exploited the gaping whole in defence to equalise after half an hour. The Edge midfield failed to see the danger and offered no cover to the defence who were outnumbered at the back post when the cross came in from the right. To make things worse the resulting inquest among Edge players led to a complete breakdown in any communication and a total loss of application and spirit. Bissett retired from the team at the interval but continued to make his presence felt from the touchline and the Edge team never recovered. The long ball game got longer and higher and the passing and movement was diabolical and the Edge defence came under increasing pressure. Eddie Dalton, Turks and Brook worked extremely hard to stem the tide but their efforts came unstuck when keeper Scott Bissett made two uncharacteristic howlers, twice beaten at his near post when anticipating the ball across goal.. Coach continued to play there gentle football but any side with heart and commitment would have withstood what threat they posed, as Edge did early in the game. Not enough players showed that appetite for the game, only Pedro, with his fitness and pace and Ryan Clayton, so composed on the ball and the one footballer Edge had on the day, offered any hope.
Edge cannot blame anyone but themselves for losing top spot in the league and they must learn to apply as much effort to their play as they do to their moaning and bickering. Better to lose trying than giving up, Early season failings were masked by effort and victories and you are only as good as your last game. End this woe, please!

The reserves went down by 2-1 to New Mill ‘A’. Keeper Loffler tried hard to keep the home side in it but his heroics were not quite enough.

16/09/06:

HADE EDGE 2 V 1 ROYAL DOLPHIN
The new season has started well for Edge and last week at the Mole Hill Arena they made it 3wins from 3, but this was by far their toughest game, and to be fair to Royal, Edge were pretty lucky to come out with any points.

The home side could not have started better as they totally dominated the first 30 seconds and playing their best football of the season they took the lead bang on the half-minute mark. Martin’s cross, a gentle head down by Stead and the usual emphatic finish from Ryan. It was so easy that the expectant supporters might have anticipated a real goal glut. Unfortunately Edge did not get much of a look in for the next hour and a quarter. Dolphin tried to play football and kept Edge under constant pressure all over the park and it took some heroic defending from the Daltons and several crucial saves from Bissett to keep Edge in front.
It was getting late in the game though before Royal got their deserved equaliser. A half blocked cross looped across the face of the goal to an unmarked forward who had the simplest of tasks from 2 yards. When John Dalton clipped a striker’s heels in the box moments later, it looked all over for the unbeaten side. However, to huge jeers the Royal man placed his spot kick just wide.
Edge, spurred on by the reprieve managed one piece of football of their own. Good footwork from Martin on the left, a neat pull-back for Sullivan to hit a weak shot which the keeper parried to the waiting Stead, who scored. To equally loud derision, it was then Stead’s turn to miss from the spot after Taylor had been dragged to the ground.

In the context of this match it was a great result for Edge but it hides the fact that several players just did not perform on the day and the beleaguered defence had little outlet and not enough help from the rest of the team. The coach’s next team sheet will be interesting.

Hade Edge Res. 2-6 Cumberworth A

Despite the score line Hade Edge can count themselves unlucky not to win last weeks encounter. With numerous players not showing up Edge found themselves with just 12 players but with the rallying call from coach Willsdon ringing in their ears started the match brightly playing good flowing football and were soon in the lead when Lee Whitley put pressure on the Cumberworth left back his 30 yard back pass was helped into the goal by the keeper. Soon after this Edge’s trouble started when Captain Matt Robinson had to go off when he aggravated his foot injury and then five minutes later his replacement new signing Hanson had to leave the field of play after a challenge gave him an ankle injury. Even though Edge were on the back foot they still looked dangerous on the counter attack and doubled there lead when Whitley finished off a good flowing move. Through the rest of the first half Edge coped well but nearly conceded a comical own goal of there own when Steve Spooner passed the ball back to Rob Lofler it evaded the keeper, Spooner sensing trouble started after the ball but only ran into Lofler both of them landing on the floor and could only watch as the ball span goal wards just missing the post for a corner. With good defending from Dave Booth and Jason Beaumont and excellent goalkeeping from Lofler the score remained 2-0.
The prospect of playing 45 minutes with 10 men was always going to be a struggle but then it became worse with Walton complaining of a pulled groin so Edge reshuffled the side with Walton going up front by himself leaving the other 9 men to defend, Cumberworth started the second half well forcing Edge onto the back foot but great defending and keeping kept the visitors out for 25 minutes but conceded 6 goals in 20 minutes and with better finishing could easily had 10 only an amazing run by Rob Booth when he took the ball round the whole Cumberworth team and the occasional run by Whitley gave Edge any hope but that died when first Beaumont then Whitley gained ankle injuries in the last 15 minutes leaving 10 on the pitch but only 7 fit players. Edge were very disappointed at the result but can be pleased with the gutsy display when on any other day would have resulted in 3 points. It was also very close in the man of the match results with Phil Shackleton and Andy Daisy narrowly missing out to the impressive Adam Coldwell and many thanks to Adrian Hill for the excellent display of refereeing.

09/09/06:

MOUNT RES 3 v EDGE RES 3

The reserves, still short of bodies managed to take a point from their trip to Mount. Two goals from Daisey the second which was described as bizarre made up for keeper Loffler’s early slip. An own goal earned the visitors their first point of the season.

The new under 10 side also managed a draw, in a friendly match hastily arranged when Honley couldn’t raise a team for the scheduled fixture. Well done for all the efforts behind the scenes. Anyone with a few pounds to spare would be welcome to sponsor equipment for this new team.

A new beginning…
2005/6 was a season to forget in many ways for Hade Edge. A real struggle for survival on and off the pitch. A shortage of players, lack of club spirit and money and culminating in the tragic loss of Carl Rawlinson, a well liked ‘character’, in an horrific car accident led to a sad start to the year.
With a lot of hard work over the summer things are improving at the Edge. The changing rooms are in much better shape, the players have paid to sign for the club, easing the early financial pressures and there has been a big turn around in players and a much needed revival in team spirit. There are a lot of players now fighting for places in coach Scott Bissett’s first team.
Carl was remembered with a pre-season friendly with Cartworth Moor that netted over £260 for his memorial fund which will provide some help to his young son in the years ahead. Edge won the game 2-0, a first trophy for the new coach!

The same two clubs met on the opening day of the season in terrible weather that made any attempts to play football hopeless. Edge again came out on top this time 5-1. A great solo effort from Jamie Clayton, on his debut, was matched by brother Ryan’s direct free-kick which hit someone on the way through, enough for ‘Turks’ trying to claim it, although a defender was more probable. Two bog lining tap-ins from Ed Dalton and Gaukroger, and a deft touch from Andy Bissett, were met by a single fine strike into the top corner, by Cartworth.
Edge, on there first bonding session of the season later added to the visitor’s misery by gate crashing Dom’s 30th birthday bash. Sorry Dom it was an accident, honest.

Edge made it two wins from two this weekend with a very hard fought 6-2 win at newcomers Dalton Crusaders. The score line is far more convincing than was deserved on the balance of play, but Edge got themselves ahead and managed to hold out against very quick, direct young players. Star of the first half was ‘Pedro’ Taylor who time after time out-sprinted the naïve home defence and grabbed himself a hat-trick and did superbly to lay on another for Ryan. It did take the big lad sometime to get into position but the finish was emphatic. Crusaders managed to net with a powerful shot in between and scored again early in the second half to make the game interesting. For a long spell they really pressured the Edge defence who had to really battle to counteract their speed and dribbling skills. Several times Bissett came to the rescue with fine saves in the Edge goal. The home side were still naïve in their defending though which gave rise to some good chances on the break and the introduction of Cocker saw him ease the tension with a toe ender from 4 inches. John Dalton then rose majestically to loop a header into the top of the net from a corner, the ball did bounce first though and so deceived the defender on the line expecting to clear it!
Edge will have to play better football in future games but there are several good players on the sidelines waiting for a chance. A nice headache for Bissett in the weeks ahead.

2005/2006:

25/02/06 - Div 3

Since the new year the Hade Edge 1st team have had a poor set of results, losing 5 league games in a row before beating local rivals Cartworth Moor 1-0 in the league with a long range Matt Poole goal. After that win another trip to Cumberworth in the Groom Cup saw a close game, the final result being 2-0 again. This was followed by a win in the league, beating Fenay Bridge 4-2, with a brace from Nicky Taylor, and one each for Eddie Dalton and Mike Johnson. This week saw a trip to table topping Linthwaite and although Edge more than matched the home team for 30 mins, 2 quick goals before half time and one straight after the interval saw Edge's hopes dashed. Edge continued to play some good football on a muddy pitch but as they threw more players forward they were hit twice on the break, the final score being 5-0.

03/12/05 - Div 3

Shelley 0 Hade Edge 2

Hade Edge had the chance to avenge their 10-0 drubbing by Shelley earlier in the season as the return fixture came round quite soon. Coach Booth was absent so Scott Bissett took over organising the 1st team and had some shuffling round to do with a few players missing. The Edge back four was completely different to the previous week with Robinson coming in at left back, Cocker at right back and ‘Turks’ and Eddie Dalton teaming up in the centre of defence. Edge started the game brightly on the new Shelley pitch at Skelmanthorpe, with the wide pitch suiting Edge’s play. Oldroyd and Reilly worked hard to play passing football from midfield with Taylor and Clayton giving plenty of width. Martin and Bickerstaff were linking up well in attack and it was a move involving these two and Taylor which resulted in Taylor being brought down in the box for a penalty. Martin took responsibility to take the spot kick firing the ball home to give Edge an early 1-0 lead. Edge had another penalty claim midway through the half, when Taylor again appeared to be brought down in the area but the ref disagreed this time. The game was quite open, with end to end football, but the Edge defence with Bissett covering well behind them rarely looked troubled. Neither team had many other clear cut chances in the half until Bissett was forced into making an excellent acrobatic save to deny a long range shot heading into the top corner. The half time whistle came with Edge 1 up.
In the second half Edge had the slight wind behind them and were camped in the Shelley half for long periods of play. Edge never gave Shelley the opportunity to play with excellent work in midfield forcing errors from the home side. Eventually Edge made it 2-0, a move down the left, found Bickerstaff on the edge of the area, and he coolly fired a shot into the top corner. Shelley pushed more players forward as time went on but the Edge defence held firm and Edge often looked dangerous on the counter attack. As Shelley poured forward a couple of chances fell their way but Bissett was at hand to save low at the feet of a Shelley striker and then have two long range covered as they scimmed the bar. The final whistle came with Edge earning a deserved victory after a good all round team performance, with hard work from front to back. It was also the first clean sheet of the season which all added to a successful day. The first team have an open date next week so support for the second team who are at home will be appreciated.

03/12/05 - Reserve Div 4

Hade Edge Res 2 Cumberworth 0

Hade Edge reserves recorded their 2nd win of the season, though it owed more to determination and luck than quality of play. The games tone was set from as early as the 3rd minute when an off the ball incident involving a Cumberworth forward and Roger Thornton sparked an unsavoury scene. The first half then followed a similar pattern, with Hade Edge on the back foot despite going down the hill. The only outlet seemed to be long balls to forward Andrew Daisy who regularly picked up free kicks due to being hacked at continuously. Despite Cumberworth’s best efforts they fashioned few chances thanks to a sterling defensive partnership between Greg Clarke and Luke Macrae and brave goalkeeping from Rob Loffler. The score remained blank until half time. Hade Edge came out with a renewed vigour and were soon in front. Chris Burton stepped up to a free kick out wide left and fired it toward goal. The ball arrowed in to the opposite top corner, intentional or not it did not matter, Hade Edge were in front. This forced Cumberworth forward in search for an equaliser. This required a brave defensive display not just from the back 4 but from midfielders Nigel Albermaniche, Joshua and Ben Mallinson. The hard work of Hade Edge meant 3 2nd half substitutions came on to maintain the teams work rate and it was the final substitute who had a hand in the games decisive goal. Simon Bryan had been on the pitch only a few minutes when the ball broke to him in the box, he slid the ball across to the none stop Joshua Mallinson who calmly slid the ball home from 6 yards. This sparked scenes of great joy and relief for a team who has given so much effort so far this season, often with little reward.

26/11/05 - Div 3

Hade Edge 2 Sikh Leisure Centre 7

After a couple of good results Edge were brought back down to earth with the visit of Sikh Leisure Centre. Booth had to make a couple of changes with Bissett and Brook unavailable from the previous weeks win, they were replaced by the returning Oldroyd and a debut for Whitehead. Edge started the game reasonably well and took the lead when Eddie Dalton ran onto a high through ball and volleyed home from the edge of the area. Sikh then started to put pressure on the Edge defence, some excellent movement off the ball meant that Edge were often chasing shadows. The inevitable equalizer came when Edge were appealing for offside, a second Sikh goal was added after a corner, even though Edge had seven men and a keeper between the striker and the goal, the ball somehow found it’s way through. Edge settled a little and chances were created for Taylor, Bickerstaff and Martin, but none could get a goal back. Berry pulled off a number of good saves but on the half time whistle, Sikh made it 3-1 from the penalty spot.
The second half started better for Edge and they looked more comfortable with Rawlinson, John Dalton, Horrocks and ‘Turks’ trying to get tighter to their men. Unfortunately the Sikh forward line were too quick and a fourth was added soon later. The Edge heads didn’t drop, Whitehead and Oldroyd battled hard in midfield and when Edge pressured the visitors defence they looked uncomfortable and Edge dominated. A goal was pulled back, Eddie Dalton hitting a long distance shot which swerved passed the visiting keeper. Edge continued to search for another break through but were hit by 3 sucker punches late on to make the final result a lot more flattering for the visitors than what it actually was. Edge didn’t deserve to be beaten by a 7-2 score line, and any plus points need to be taken into next week where Hade Edge have the chance to get revenge for their heaviest defeat earlier in the season when they travel to Shelley.

26/11/05 - Reserve Division 4

Britannia Sports ‘A’ 1 Hade Edge Res 4

Hade Edge reserves scored an unlikely but thoroughly deserved 4-1 win against Britannia sports at the weekend thanks to a superb hat trick from make shift striker Andy Daisy and Joshua Mallinson. Hade edge started the game low on confidence due to a baron run of results and knew they needed to start quickly down the hill against a young but talented opposition. However, it was Britannia who started the brighter camping in the hade edge half for the first 10 minutes of the game, only Nigel Albermaniche and Luke Macrae showing any resolve. Slowly Hade Edge midfield started to take a grip on the game and it wasn't long before a sweeping move down the right involving Jun Tyler lead Dave Mowforth to cross from deep to the back post where an unmarked Andy Daisy headed home in to the top corner from no more than a yard. 5 minutes later and Hade Edge were 2 up, again Andy Daisy wriggled clear of the defence and side footed home. However within 5 minutes Britannia gave themselves a lifeline, their number 9 sprinting past at least 2 defenders before lifting the ball over debutant goalkeeper Rob Loffler. This was rough luck on Edge who had worked hard to build an advantage. Their nerves were eased 10 minutes before the break, the excellent Dave Mowforth was played through 1 on 1 with the opposition keeper, the keeper did enough to force him wide, but he calmly picked out the oncoming Joshua Mallinson who side footed home from 12 yards. Just before half time Hade Edge sealed their win with the goal of the game and one of the goals of the season. Ryan Clayton and Chris Burton linked excellently down the left before the latter sent a 40 yard ball to the right flank were Roger Thornton sent an equally good cross to Andy Daisy who tried a speculative over head kick from the edge of the area which flew in to the bottom corner. The second half was a tighter affair, but excellent midfield work by Josh Mallinson and Jun Tyler with support from Roger Thornton and Dave Mowforth kept the green machine rolling forward, when Britannia mustered any pressure it was thwarted by the superb Greg Clarke and Nigel Albermaniche. This was a deserved win for a team who have deserved so much more than their lowly position suggests.

19/11/05 - Div 3

Hade Edge 9 Fenay Bridge 1

Edge earned what turned out to be a comfortable victory over a side joint bottom of the division before the start of play. Edge started slowly and even though Fenay Bridge started with only 10 men, Edge looked lethargic. Fenay Bridge managed to get 11 men on the field with 10 minutes gone and then took the lead. A free kick from the Edge of the area was only parried by Berry and with none of the Edge team following in, a Fenay Bridge player knocked the ball home. Soon after Berry was in action again, turning over a goal bound long range effort. Edge eventually got into the game, with Jimmy Martin and Bickerstaff starting to cause problems for the visiting defence. Edge had the perfect chance to equalise when the ref awarded a penalty, but Bickerstaff’s spot kick was saved by the legs of the keeper and the ball rebounded wide. Edge did equalised soon after, a break down the right by Rawlinson and Martin, saw a cross volleyed home from the edge of the box by Eddie Dalton. Edge started to dominate with the back four of ‘Turks’, Horrocks, John Dalton and Brook, looking comfortable and Eddie Dalton and Bissett controlling midfield. Edge scored a second soon after, Martin got to the bye line before pulling the ball back and Eddie Dalton fired home. Cocker came on to replace Rawlinson, who picked up and injury and Brook was pushed forward. A third Edge goal came before half time, a move down the left involving ‘Turks’ and Horrocks, saw a good ball played into the box and Taylor fired home. Edge went in at half time 3-1 up.
Edge continued to look dangerous in the second half, Martin set up Bickerstaff for his first goal to put Edge 4-1 up. Then a free kick was taken by John Dalton on the half way line, his cross come shot went straight in past the visiting keeper. Bickerstaff scored a second and Edge’s 6th before Martin set up Brook who kept his composure to fire passed the keeper. Eddie Dalton then scored his hat-trick, a deep cross bounced through everyone in the Fenay Bridge box and he fired low into the corner. Bickerstaff then scored his hat-trick, he picked the ball up outside the area and after beating a defender smashed the ball into the top corner. Later in the match Edge brought on Lofler and Walton, and although they took their foot off the gas, they ran home comfortable winners. Edge are likely to have a sterner test next week at home to Sikh Leisure Centre and will need to continue their winning form to help them out of the danger area of the bottom of the league.

12/11/05 - Groom Cup

YMCA 1 Hade Edge 3

Hade Edge have had an indifferent start to the season, an opening day win has been followed by 8 straight league defeats, which have involved a high goals against count. Although Edge have signed on many new players, 3 of those games were started with 10 men which hasn’t helped proceedings.
Last Saturday saw a change, with the first round of the Groom Cup against YMCA who are in the league below, although with Edge lying bottom of Division 3 they would have fancied their chances of a victory. Unlike most games this season, Edge turned up early and coach Booth had 16 men to choose from for the 1st team. This gave an optimistic feel before the game and Edge started well on the large, flat YMCA pitch. The defence of ‘Turks’, John Dalton and Rawlinson was bolstered with the addition of Bissett. They dominated the home attack from the start which gave Reilly and Eddie Dalton the opportunity to pass the ball about from midfield. Scott Ryan and Bickerstaff showed plenty of ingenuity up front and they were supported well by Taylor and Martin on either wing. The first goal came from a set piece after Eddie Dalton had been brought down on the left hand edge of the penalty area. Scott Ryan hit a curling shot which beat the home keeper and nestled in the top corner. Edge continued to attack and looked solid at the back with keeper Berry having little to do. Scott Bissett had a free kick which eluded everyone and unfortunately bounced off the cross bar and post, the Edge players claimed the ball had crossed the line but the ref gave nothing. Eddie Dalton then had a shot cleared off the line after good work by Bickerstaff. The same player then had a header from a Reilly corner that appeared to cross the line but again, the ref said no. Edge went in at half time 1 goal up but it could have been more.
The second half continued in a similar fashion with Edge’s back 4 looking comfortable, Rawlinson was replaced by Brook after suffering an injury and then Ryan was replaced by Johnson up front. Edge scored a deserved 2nd goal when Martin crossed from the left and Johnson reacted 1st to knock the ball home. Edge kept passing the ball well with Taylor working tirelessly down the right and Reilly looking composed in the middle. YMCA then gave themselves a lifeline, through a dubious penalty, which was fired home giving Berry little chance. Edge hit straight back through a penalty of their own, Bickerstaff coolly firing home the spot kick. Edge had a couple more chances to extend their lead, both Bickerstaff and Eddie Dalton hitting the woodwork and Taylor putting the ball wide from 6 yards out. The final whistle came with Edge running out comfortable 3-1 winners. A good team performance, with good preparation and the fact that coach Booth had 16 men to choose from made it a successful day. This needs to be carried forward to next week when the 1st team are at home to Fenay Bridge in the League.