Slazenger’s mens 4th’s played their first ever league fixture this weekend against Boston Spa 4th’s. The team played well but were beaten by the combination of experience and teamwork; signs of a well established team.
The game started promisingly for Slazenger. Fast and consistent passing made short work of the Boston Spa midfield, and very quickly the home side were pressing Boston’s defence. It was not long before a sequence of fast passes set up Ian Hedges to take it past the last defender and keeper within the first five minutes.
This goal seemed to wake Boston up, and although Slaz pressed hard, there was a solid battle to control midfield. The combination of new players and up-and-coming juniors did well to hold their own, with some notable work by James Higgins in midfield and Dave Gascoigne and John Toon frustrating the visitors.
However, the inexperience of the side did tell, with loose marking allowing players to infiltrate Slaz’s defence and create opportunities. Captain and goalkeeper Giles “Fodder” Field, pulled off some impressive saves to prevent an equaliser. However, it was only a matter of time before the side conceded from a well worked opportunity.
A second goal in the second half put Slazenger under further pressure, to which they duly responded. Some hard work up front by Darren Buttery and Robert Caan paid off with a short corner. It looked to have been converted to a goal by Paul Johnson, but was stopped by a defender’s foot on the line. A penalty flick was given, and Ian Hedges stepped up (or was it that everyone else took a big step back?). The flick was saved, preventing an equaliser.
Slaz continued to work, but could not find the flowing form which had worked so well in the early stages of the match, with Boston Spa scoring a third put the result beyond doubt.
While a young and inexperienced side, the side showed great potential which will hopefully develop throughout the season.
