Slazenger 3rd’s went into their confrontation with Garforth 1st’s looking for a win, though could only manage a draw.
The game started briskley with some fast flowing hockey. Wingers Luke Gueli and Man of the match Robin Brearton worked tirelessly to move the ball down the wings, opening the pitch and allowing midfielders to feed the strikers. Several chances went close, although a combination of strong defending and good goalkeeping from Garforth’s back line successful conversion.
Slaz were unable to convert, but a disallowed goal from Garforth spurred them into action. Redoubling their effort forced a quick break, giving striker Steve Johnson the time he needed to score the first, putting Slaz 1-0 up.
Coming out of the break, only a single goal seperated the two teams., but it was quickly negated by a goal from Garforth, taking advantage of a slip in concentration. Minutes later, Slaz struck back, with a flowing move between Ian Hedges and Captain Paul Corney. The ball was fed through the midfield to Hedges, who played it to Corney to finish.
Slaz continued to maintain the pressure, but was unable to find a further hole in the defence and without another goal, Garforth were always going to be a threat. Within the space of 10 minutes, they had scored a second and third. Slazengers back line worked to defend, but Garforth found space in the “D” to defeat ‘keeper Ralph Toon.
Slaz strengthened the defence, and a strong ball through from centre midfielder Paul Johnson, found the midfield.Steve Roberts who had worked tirelessly thoughout, sprinted into the oppositions “D”, to pick the ball up and slot it past the keeper.
