Slazengers men’s first team completed their pre-season program with a hard fought but well deserved 5-4 victory away at Sheffield Hallam IV. Going into the game with a weakened team, Slazengers could have feared a big defeat, especially after going 2-0 down relatively early on but this seemed to inspire them to play their best hockey of the season so far.
As the first half progressed, Slazengers controlled the possession well and began to create chances although seemed to be lacking the final touch in front of goal. It wasn’t until John Sykes got the final touch of a goal mouth scramble to take the score to 2-1 at half time that Slazengers began to believe in themselves. The second half began as the first had ended with chances being created, Paul Wiper eventually converting a short corner to tie the scores. Hallem then began to create opportunities themselves and scored two quick goals, both of which Slazengers will feel they could have prevented. Again though, this only spurred Slazengers into action, Sykes grabbed his second from the top of the ‘D’ after good work by Rob Stevens before Wiper once again tied the scores with a thunderous drive following a mazy run from Slazengers captain Will Buckley.
By now Slazengers sensed victory and continued to press and it fell to centre back Phil Midgley to seal the win after he deflected a shot into the roof of the net. Quite what he was doing so far up the pitch remains in question but Slazengers wont be complaining. Alex Mann deservedly took the man of the match award after a tireless performance in midfield. Slazengers begin their league campaign at Driffield and will be looking to build on what was a solid performance and good victory.
from (Ben Graham)
