an exciting derby game witnessed visitors Wakefield come back from two goals down and score a last-gasp equaliser to share the spoils against an in-form Slazenger.
The North Hockey League division 2 east contest started brightly and it was the home side who made the early running. They took the lead through Kaye and looked comfortable with defenders Swallow and Shaw solid at the back.
The hosts doubled their lead after a fine solo effort from Mark Butel and came close to making it three but fine goalkeeping by Andy Loftus kept Wakefield in the game. Before half-time the visitors were given a lifeline after front man Gary Town laid a slip ball to Nick Bunney who made no mistake to make it 2-1.
At the start of the second period Slazenger re-established their grip on the game, giving themselves a two goal cushion with Butel s second of the game. They couldn’t consolidate this for long as Wakefield showed great character and eventually hauled themselves level following a goal from Gary Town and the same player equalised with a penalty stroke.
The seesaw battle continued as the home side hit straight back and Kevin Windler s emphatic finish gave Slazenger what they thought was the winner. But, with just two minutes remaining, Wakefield s veteran defender Ivan Wood provided a timely strike to tie the game at 4-4. Unbelievably, this wasn’t the final action as Slazenger were awarded a penalty with just 30 seconds left. Man of the match Whittle stepped up but his flick was guided wide to leave the game tied.
Slazenger currently lie fourth in the division and enjoy a Christmas break from competitive games but play a friendly against Bradford on Saturday.
