Slazenger Thirds were missing five regulars for their trip to take on Dinnington’s first string, and the 4-1 score line reflects this deficiency though it fails to do justice to the visitors’ performance.

Slazenger’s young guns dug in for the first ten minutes and rallied from the initial storm that left them a goal adrift. Neil Hutchins had an excellent game in defence and Jonathon Clewlow, James Walker and Robert Stephens marshaled the midfield well.

The visitors were delighted to get to the break without conceding further goals and having dented Dinnington’s composure.

Things became interesting when Andy Birkett deflected a free hit into the roof of the net to equalise.

But despite some good late-game goalkeeping by Jonny Walker, Slazenger succumbed to three more goals. Slazenger also spurned a very good chance to equalise at 2-2.

Slazenger thirds are at Adel on Saturday.