AGAINST top-flight opposition, the step up in class proved too much for Alderley Edge Hockey Club women’s firsts on Saturday.

They were beaten 2-0 by National League Premiership side Bowdon in the England Hockey Championship Knockout Cup.

Edge started the game on the front foot as Izzy Reynolds-Duffy had a great lifted shot will saved, but Bowdon then upped the ante and took the lead from open play on 11 minutes.

A goalmouth scramble almost saw Edge equalise while at the other end, keeper Rachel Humpherson made a couple of excellent saves to keep them in the fight.

Having failed to convert several penalty corner opportunities, Edge conceded from one at the other end and Bowdon went on to see out the match assuredly.

Alderley’s men’s over 50s team had much better luck against their Bowdon counterparts, winning their National Championship Cup match 4-1.

Neil Hanley, Mike Parkin, Phil Benton and Mark D’Souza were on target for Edge, who travel to Timperley in the next round on Sunday, January 19.