Slazenger travelled away to Garforth 1st’s, looking for another win on the back of the previous weeks’ victory. However, its was not to be, as they fell to two last minute goals at the hands of the hosts.
Slazenger started quickly, though with the obvious absence of Skipper Andy Fisher. Ste Roberts and Luke Gueli controlled the midfield well, and with some fluid passing Garforth were quickly under pressure. Frustratingly, Slaz continue to struggle with their finsihing and were unable to convert pressure to goals. Garforth were quick and persistant on the attack and did break out several times, leading to several frantic end-to-end periods of play.
Unfortuntaley Garforth struck first, with a quick break-away earning them a penalty corner. This was duly converted putting them 1-0 up.
Slaz continued to press. A series of close efforts were unable to create an equaliser. Al Perrys’ effort went wide of the post and Steve Johnson managed to miss at least 5 (!) great opportunities. The continued pressure eventually paid off, with Johnson converting one of the many opportunites into an equaliser.
With the scoreline reset, the horbury team upped their pace. Youngster Rowan Tejura excelled in centre midfield, going close himself. A well worked run by Ian Hedges from deep in Slaz’ own half to the opposition’s “D” set up Andy Birkett to bag the lead with only 10 minutes to go.
Garforth seemed to redouble their effort, and forced through two further times, forcing errors and bagging 2 further penalty corners. These were converted to put them 3-2 up at the final whistle.
Slaz can take heart from the fact that goals were only conceded from short corners, not open play and their standard of hockey continues to improve.
