The result does Slazenger no justice at all after the side put in one of its best team displays of the North East Division 2 season. Slazenger started strongly and had the game under control in spite of some ‘interesting’ decisions by the umpires.
James Swinden put pressure down the right hand side and with support from Shepherd, Kaye and Webb in the midfield Slazenger grew in strength and confidence. Five minutes from half-time, however, the visitors managed to get a shot in on goal that was well-taken and left the goalkeeper Hellam no chance.
It remained 1-0 well into the second half when Slazenger again appeared to get on the wrong end of the 50-50 decision.
And then disaster struck for the home side. Leeds University were awarded a penalty, which was then changed by anther umpire but not before Slazenger had been reduced to nine-players after having two sin-binned!
Spurred on, Slazenger played better from this point on and the application of controlled pressure led to Jimmy Swinden hitting the back board to level.
As soon as Slazenger were back to full strength, they were immediately reduced to ten when another player was sent from the field.
Somehow Slazenger managed to hold out but another penalty award for Leeds, once again disputed hotly by Slazenger, gave the visitors the winner five minutes from time.
Slazenger visit Billingham on Saturday.
