Slazenger Men’s 3rd team took to the field for their first competitive fixture since their promotion last season to Division 6, with a dominant display away at Leeds Adel Carnegie 6th’s. While they came away with a commendable 3-0 result, without the hard work of the opposition keeper, it could have been 10.
With captain Andy Fisher out with a broken hand, the team had to begin the season without his help. However, this did not slow them down, as they began in the same way they had finished last season, with flowing hockey which immediately put the opposition under pressure. Just after the 4 minute mark, Luke Gueli had scored the opener, setting the standard for the rest of the game.
Slazenger reset after the goal and continued to press. A strong back line of Tony Walker, Paul Johnson, Alex Calderley and Mark Kitchen held firm, and keeper Ralph Toon had almost nothing to do all game.
Some solid running from midfield dynamo Ste Roberts, along with Jack Mumford and striker Steve Johnson led to the second goal; a rapid series of 4 passes splitting the defence, leaving Andy Birkett to slot the ball home.
After the break, the chances continued to come thick and fast. Within minutes, Alex Calderly’s shot had narrowly missed the mark, and excellent efforts from newcomer Dan levitt and Luke Gueli kept Carnegie under pressure. However, some solid goalkeeping from the home goalkeeper kept the scoreline at 2-0. L.A.Carnegie had several efforts against Slaz, but were unable to overcome some tenacious defence and solid counter-attacking.
In the latter part of the second half, it was Rowan Tejura, who single handedly rounded the keeper, to slot the ball home, making it 3-0
The scoreline is a promising start to what looks to be a promising campaign in division 6. Slaz travel to Brigg 4’s next week.
