After a difficult season last year which saw Slazengers mens hockey first string lose 8 of their starting 11 resulting in the inevitable relegation, they were looking to start the new season with a fresh confidence. The first friendly of the year was against higher league opposition in the form of LA Carnegie 2 and could quite easily have ended in a demoralising defeat after Slazengers found themselves 3-0 down after barely 10 minutes had passed.
A change of formation however and a team spirit built during difficult times last season spurred Slazengers into action and midfield anchor Jonny White slowly began to take control, spreading the ball well and ensuring Slazengers kept some good possession. Some strong runs from Paul Wiper led to a number of short corner and when he was upended in the ‘D’, a penalty stroke was awarded. Veteran Simon Chamberlain stepped forward to convert the flick ensuring Slazengers went into the break 3-1 down.The second half was more of an end to end affair with chances going to both sides, LA Carnegie scored first to increase their lead but were again pegged back after a second penalty stroke was awarded. This time Paul Wiper stepped forward to convert the chance. Slazengers continued to press but a late breakaway by LA Carnegie to take the score to 5-2 resulted in a final score that didn’t fully reflect the game.
Jack Mumford had an excellent debut game in goal as did Jack Kitchen, manipulising the ball well down the left of midfield. Although the final result was a defeat, Slazengers will take a lot of positives from the game and will look to build on them in the coming weeks.
