Slaznger Mens 3rds also started back on Saturday, hosting Lincoln 3rds at home. The game was almost as tough as it had been on the away leg. However, with the team bouyed by recent wins and still in the hunt for promotion, Slaz came away with a well fought 2-1 victory.
The game stated at pace. The home side were eager to get a goal against the league leader, and played some past hockey from the start. Using the newer formation change, the team benefited from a stronger midfield, allowing them to push wider and deeper with the wings and striker. Luke Gueli and Andrew Birkett made some impressive moves, testing the visitors defence early on. Unfortunately, full-back Paul Johnson was taken out of the game by a stray ball to the face, however Slaz pressed on.
It was the home side which scored first, securing a short corner, which was expertly dispatched by midfielder Andy Fisher.
Lincoln continued to be a threat, and pressed the defence several times; going close a couple of times. Eventually, their tenacity was rewarded, when a player slipped their marker, to knock the ball in.
The second half was in the most part controlled by Slazenger. Lincoln broke several times, but struggled under the home side’s pressure. Birkett went close, as did Fisher and Ian Hedges. In the end however, it was a cross from Hedges who picked out Alex Calderley to slot the ball home 10 minutes before time.
Slazenger will host league second place team Chapeltown 3rd’s next week in another tough encounter.
