Slazenger’s seconds produced the performance of the season to beat previously undefeated and runaway leaders Sheffield Hallam thirds by 6 goals to 2.
Slazenger’s were boosted by the return of a number of players and this showed early on, with the home side getting straight into the groove, Rich Hutchins giving Slazenger’s an early lead with a great finish. A well-worked short corner doubled the lead with Ed Richardson finishing well with only 15 minutes on the clock. This spurred Hallam into action and they began to press themselves, only for Slazenger’s to hit on the counter attack.
Ed Richardson grabbing his second with a neat finish into the bottom corner to go in at the half way stage three nil to the good.
The second half began much as the first had, Slazenger’s pressing with Hutchins grabbing his second early on in the half. A team with the quality of Hallam, however, was never going to lie down and they hit back with two goals for themselves. Neil Croucher then re-affirmed Slazenger’s dominance with a neat finish to some good work through the midfield. His over exuberant celebration, however, saw him on the sidelines for ten minutes. But Slazenger’s raised their work rate to keep the ball and press Hallam at every opportunity. The game closed with Ed Richardson completing his hat trick after another well worked short corner routine.
This was a fantastic performance from Slazenger’s and will surely give a huge boost to their bid to avoid relegation.
