JAMES Warburton found the net four times to keep Alderley Edge’s promotion hopes alive in the North Hockey Premier League.

His achievement in a 5-3 win at Whitley Bay and Tynemouth, a repeat of the previous week’s scoreline against Bowdon, demonstrated that Edge mean serious business.

Edge’s other goal came from Ben Gregory, leaving Edge comfortable in second place behind Leeds.

The seconds fell 2-1 against Preston but the thirds sit second in North West Division Three on goal difference behind Deeside Ramblers following their 6-2 win over Neston’s thirds on Saturday.

Edge’s fourths sit mid-table in North West Division Four after their home 1-1 draw against Sale.

An early injury to Paul Buckingham contributed to a young fifth team’s 9-0 loss at Bowdon’s fourths.

The sixths, comprising a mix of experienced and junior players, lost 2-1 at Macclesfield’s thirds, where George Markham was on the score sheet for Edge.

Alderley’s women are third in North Division One on goal difference behind Ben Rhydding, their opponents this Saturday.

A 1-0 win at Newcastle was followed by a 3-2 success against Didsbury Greys 24 hours later.

Edge’s seconds drew their home fixture against Macclesfield and are second in Cheshire League Division One. Just five points separate the top five teams.

A young and improving thirds scored a 9-1 win over bottom side Bowdon in the same league, with goals from Lois McTiffin, two, Bo Rydings, Brogan Tennant, Amy Colledge, Libby McCoy, Katie Roberts, Katie Haszeldine and Tor Parkin.