Report: 13-11-2010 – Mens 3rds (1) vs. (3) Wakefield 6th’s

Slazenger hosted Wakefield 6ths in a match full of thrills and spills. Unfortunately the heated local derby ended with a loss for the hosts, going down 3 -1.Slazenger took to the field in high spirits, with unproven keeper Dan Perry stepping up on short notice to fill the pads of regular goalie Tom Stephenson. The game started at a brisk pace, with some great link up play between midfield and strikers. Strong passing from Andy Fisher and James Bennett shifted the ball at pace, and allowed Slazenger to press the home advantage.

Unfortunately, the great play from Slazenger was denied a finish by a strong back line and goal keeper combination at the Wakefield end. The hard work from Steve Johnson, and glorious leader (Captain) Paul Corney were unable to make their mark.

The match was fairly balanced, and among the pressure from Slazenger, Wakefield broke away several times. It was down to the defensive skills of Mark Kitchen, Nick Slack and Nathan Crowther to contain the threat. However with such pressure, mistakes were made and several short corners were awarded to wakefield. Three of these were duly converted to goals, with defense and goalie alike unable to stop the ball at such close range.

At the other end, Slazenger pressed hard to find the equalising goal and had several chances. As the pressure grew, tempers frayed. In a shock move it was captain Paul who saw red, responding to the verbal provocation of an un-named Wakefield player; grabbing him by the neck. Before the incident came to blows, the Umpires awarded both players yellow cards, ‘sin-binning’ them for 5 minutes.

With both teams reduced to 10 men. Slazenger applied the presure. Alan Perry and Ian Hedges pressed down the right hand side forcing several opportunities. It fell to the strikers Tom Whitaker, Steve Johnson and (after he rerturned to the field) Paul C. to convert. Unfortunately only one consolation goal could be salvaged in a game where the scoreline did not reflect the close faught nature of the match.

Next Saturday, Slazenger travel away to Grimsby for their next match.