Slazenger men’s 3rds breezed through the away quarter final cup encounter with Rotherham 4ths, beating them 6-1.
Rotherham, who had been unbeaten in cup encounters for 3 years struggled to keep pace with a fast and fluid Slazenger side. Slaz immediately went on the offensive as the game began, with several chances in the opening minutes. Some good passing and movement, with strength in the midfield enabled the away side to keep Rotherham on the defensive.
The home side struggled to break out of their own half and within 10 minutes the first goal was in. Byron Dean’s strike was deflected, and Ian Hedges netted his first after a goal line scramble to clear the ball. Slaz continued to press, and it was Dean secured his first of four, with a powerful strike past the keeper.
Slaz were 2-0 up going into the break, but after a recent string of early second half concessions were aware that Rotherham may still pose a risk on the break. However, the second half continued much in the same way three first had; Slaz providing the pressure.
Dean secured his second through an aerial deflection from a shot driven in by Andy Fisher. This was followed up by a second from Hedges after Isaac Fishers attempt was saved by the keeper. However, a slip in concentration in the midfield allowed Rotherham to break through the defence. After a strong game, it was unfortunate that keeper Ralph Toon was unable to keep a clean sheet, however Rotherham were able to finish the attack to put a goal on the board.
With 20 minutes still remaining, the game was put out of contention by Dean netting goal 3 and 4. Some hard work by Alex Caulderley on the wing, Steve Roberts in midfield, in addition to Andy Fisher provided the strikers with cutting balls, and while Isaac Fisher went close, it was Dean who sealed the win, taking Man of the Match award with him.
Slaz 3rds join the 1st and 2nd team in cup semi finals next month.
