Slazenger had a tough encounter away to Brigg 4th’s. Having struggled to score all game, the team put 2 away in the final 10 minutes securing a draw.
Slaz travelled away to a high flying Brigg team for their first encounter with the team this season, with only 11 men; no substitutes, with Paul Johnson and John Toon both carrying injuries. As the last game of the season, the team were looking for a good performance going into the Christmas break.
The game started at a steady pace. Slaz made some quick runs deep into the oposition half, with a series of close efforts marking the visitors intent. The team were missing frontman Steve Johnson, though Andrew Birkett made great work pressuring the defence and causing trouble in the opposition’s area. However Brigg at times were able to break fast and a lack of usual tight man to man marking gave them room to breath. The home team were able to capitalise on this freedom, with a piece of individual skill to carry the ball into the D and score the opener. Slaz attempted to equalise, though with a weaker-than-usual midfield, had less strength to build from.
The second half constinued in the same manner. Some great running from Ste Roberts held the midfield. Alex Calderley and Robin Brearton put in some impressive runs, but were suppressed by a strong defence and enough barging to wonder whether the game really was a non-contact sport! Brigg broke again to secure the second midway through the second half.
With 10 minutes to go, Slaz were 2-0 down. The formation was changed, bringing Brearton and Luke Gueli into the midfield to bolster the hard work of Roberts. A series of flowing passing moves followed, setting up Gueli on the D for a powerful shot. The rebound was collected by winger Ian Hedges, who tapped it in around the keeper.
With the first in, Slaz continued on the offensive, with Gueli having a second shot on goal. This time is defeated the keeper and securing the equaliser.
Slaz 3rds travel away to Bradford for a pre-christmas friendly, restarting their campaign in January.
