Slazenger’s couldn’t have started their game against Sheffield Bankers any better with debutant Matthew Stacey neatly converting a goal scoring opportunity into the opposition goal in the 1st minute.
There were several other chances for the home side to increase their lead in the early part of the game, but Slazengers were wasteful in front of goal and the score remained 1-0.
Sheffield slowly dragged themselves back into the game by continually pressing the home side and looking to counter with long diagonal passes to their wide men.
Rowan Tejura and Paul Johnson had to work hard to stifle the opposition attacks and Man of the Match, Ste Roberts was tireless in midfield breaking down play and trying to set up counter attacks. It was in this stalemate that the away side managed to grab an equaliser with a well worked move that left the opposition attacker with an opportunity to shoot on goal which he duly took.
Half-time score 1-1.
The second half saw Slazengers begin to slightly dominate the play but once again chances were missed and shots on goal were scuffed wide. John Sykes and Andrew Birkett both worked hard trying to create themselves the time and space needed to have a shot on goal. Ian Hedges continued to press down the left flank but the home side just couldn’t break down the opposition defence with the little bit of quality that was needed.
As the half progressed the home side were getting more desperate for a winner to maintain their chances of promotion.
It was with some relief that a ball was crossed into the Sheffield goalmouth, with 10 minutes to go, that turned the defence and was pounced upon by John Sykes who gratefully shot over the outstretched keeper to score what proved to be the winner.
Slazengers saw out the remainder of the game to grab an important win.
Slazengers next game is at home to Chapeltown. 2 wins from the last 2 games will secure promotion.
