Slazenger’s first trip up north took its toll as they went down 4-2 to a strong Stockton side.
The long trip left the Hobury-based visitors on the back foot from the start and they were forced to defend as the Stockton forwards piled on the pressure.
The Slazenger keeper fell victim to the poor playing surface as the ball bounced awkwardly to gift the hosts the lead.
And Stockton built on this by adding two more goals before the break.
Slazenger looked a better side in the second half and pulled the score back to 3-2 with goals from Butel and whittle.
But with two minutes to go, Stockton struck again to make it 4-2 and wrap up victory.
Slazenger play Halifax on Saturday (daytime) and then take on the Isle of Man in the English Mens Trophy on Saturday Evening.
