Slazenger 5’s faced tough opposition in Doncaster 7’s but met the challenge with lots of spirit and hard work. Doncaster started the game more quickly and looked a well disciplined side, battling well in midfield and using their young, skilful players up front to great effect. Matthew Smith in the centre of defence had to work very hard with Adam Drake to keep the opposition at bay.
After absorbing a lot of pressure Slazenger’s did begin to mount some attacks of their own with debutants Owen Bland and Alex King in midfield trying to release the centre forwards into dangerous areas of the pitch. The home side have yet to field a settled side this season but everyone contributed for the team with Harry Buttery in goal playing a blinder. Wingers Elliot Goulding and George Fealy worked tirelessly on the flanks but often with little reward.
It was no surprise that Slazenger’s finally succumbed to the Doncaster pressure when they quickly conceded a couple of goals midway through the first half. However, they didn’t capitulate and were finally rewarded with a goal of their own with a neatly taken effort from centre forward Peter Gunning. Half time 2-1.
Second half the man-marking was tightened up and this did free the home side for more attacking opportunities. One of the chances was converted by midfielder Harry Gunning to bring the team back level at 2-2.
But parity was short lived when the opposition responded with a quick brace of goals to take the advantage once again. However, Slazenger 5’s showed their character once again when they quickly responded with Peter Gunning getting his second of the day.
Slazenger’s very nearly managed to grab a late equaliser when Danny Smith had a fierce shot deflected off the keepers pads. Final score 4-3.