Slazengers mens first eleven suffered a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Leeds which could certainly come under the title of ‘difficult to take’. The first half was pretty even with Leeds playing composed hockey but offering little threat to the Slazengers goal, where as Slazengers were content to soak up the pressure and hit Leeds on the break. Dan Perry making his debut for Slazengers had an immediate impact off the bench, driving into the circle and finishing well over the Leeds keeper to give Slazengers the lead at half time.
The second half began with Slazengers again playing some good hockey although Leeds were also beginning to create chances and after a strongly disputed award of a short corner, Leeds equalized. Slazengers were also reduced to 10 men after Phil Midgley was yellow carded for protesting a little too much. Leeds now had the upper hand and scored two further goals whilst Slazengers were down to 10 men. Slazengers rallied towards the final whistle and had a string of short corners but were unable to convert any, due to a combination of poor Slazengers finishing and excellent Leeds defending. As Slazengers continued to press, Leeds managed to break away and score with the last hit of the ball. Although the scoreline finished 4-1, Slazengers have only themselves to blame and certainly should have taken something from the game.
from Ben Graham
