Slazenger mens 3rds continued their winning run with a victory from a bloody encounter away to Rotherhams 4th team.
While the win was secured with a 2-0 margin, the team took their time to secure both the opener. A combination of some tenacious back line work from Rotherham, poor pitch and dissapointing performance from Slaz in the oppositions “D” prevented a higher scoreline.
Slaz pressed from the start, and spend large portions of the time wihtin the home teams half. Some strong attacking moves and good passing gave the visitors the advantage. However, this hard work struggled to make an impact on the scoreline, with several efforts going close but to no avail. It took 15 minutes before the deadlock was broken by a shot from Ian Hedges on the edge of the D making it 1-0.
The visitors continued to press, having several shots go close. Most notably, from Andy Fisher, Luke Gueli and Alex Calderley. Rotherham continued to hold the score line, though not without casualty. Several players took injuries, some inflicted by their own team! Several shots from Paul Johnson were cleared off the line, and even a penalty flick; given for stopping the ball on the line with a foot; was missed by Andy Birkett!
The second half was much the same. The Slaz back line soaked up any pressure. Man of the match Ralph Toon put in a couple of strong saves, but was otherwise not hassled. The majority of the action continued in Rotherhams half. After further blood was spilled; partly due to a fine collision from Al Perry, Slaz pressed on looking for a second.
In the end a cross from Hedges found Birkett, who put it away, ensuring the victory with 15 miuntes left.
Slaz remain in the hunt for promotion with this win moving the team into 4th place. They will need to improve their goal rate if they are to beat table toppers Brigg 3rd’s at home next week.
