OXTON Hockey Club men's first team's hopes of securing promotion to the National League were dented when they drew 0-0 with Alderley Edge at Townfield Lane.

Alderley, bottom of the Northern Premier Division, were in confident mood, boosted by the return of their player-coach and Australian international.

Oxton couldn't break down the visitors' defence, mainly because of some excellent goalkeeping by Neil Yates.