After a game slaz should have won last week they were hoping for a good result from a home match against Leeds 5s. This was not the case and slaz lost 3-0 to a strong, skilful team. The first half started well for both teams creating chances and resulting in end-to-end hockey. The good run of play for slaz ended with an injury and then a goal against them. Eddie Taylor limped off injured after a tackle he had made. This meant slaz had to reshuffle positions with Anwar Al-Khaili dropping into defense and sub Ian Hedges coming on at left back.
Shortly after Leeds got their first goal from a free hit outside the D, the ball was crossed in and a shot was taken but was saved and but was scored off a rebound. It did not take long for Leeds to score their second from a quick attack the ball was crossed in from the left and a strike from the top of the D beat the keeper. When the whistle blew for half time Leeds were firmly in command of the match.
Over half time slaz changed their formation and as the second half started leeds were still the stronger team but slaz started playing better hockey with man of the match Matt Banks putting in another gritted performance and Tom Shepherd creating chances upfront in the lone stricker role. This however did not stop Leeds getting a third, it came from a counter attack down their right with an unstoppable cross and a strong strike from the top of the D through a crowd of players and under the keeper. Leeds should have got a 4th soon after from a dribble into the D around the keeper but the shot was cleared off the line from Anwar Al-Khaili. With quarter of an hour to go leeds sat back which allowed slaz to create more chances but another setback for slaz came when Matt Banks injured himself running back and tacking a player, he tried to carry on but soon had to be assisted off the pitch and slaz were down to 10 men for the last few minutes.
Slaz were disappointed to lose but knew Leeds disserved the win. But some positives came out of the match with Anwar putting in a brilliant performance as a make shift centre back, Ian Hedges with his none stop running and determination and Tom Shepherd working tirelessly up front making runs and creating chances. Slazengers travel to League champion contenders and top league goal scorers Chapeltown 3s next week.
