Slaz mens 3’s had no regular league fixture on Saturday, so played their Sunday cup fixture instead. Their opposition, Brigg 4’s had been defeated in the league 7-0 already, so Slaz were hoping to equal their previous result.
Brigg’s recently laid pitch delivered quick ball movement, however, it also led to the ball bouncing and bobbling, making for fast, if slightly unpredictable behaviour.
The first few minutes were evenly matched with both teams adjusting to the surface and finding their footing. However, it was Slaz who broke the deadlock; forcing a penalty corner midway through the first half. A quick flick out from Jack Mumford was drilled into the back of the net by Paul Johnson; bouncing under the keepers pads. A one goal cushion did not lift the team to safety, and they continued pressuring, with several missed opportunities as the team struggled to deal with the bouncing surface.
The second goal came from a little by surprise. Slaz were pressuring inside the 23 meter line, the ball came back and out to Alan Perry at left back, who injected the ball at pace from outside the 23 line. The ball bobbled and bounced, with no-one getting a touch until it bounced off the keepers pads and into the net. An own goal under the new rules.
With some daylight between the two teams, the visitors pressed on, to strengthen the result. Darren Buttery took a cross across the circle, to slot his first past the keeper just before half time.
At 3-0 up, Slaz regrouped, and pressed on.
With the midfield passing more fluidly the team sat well inside Briggs half for much of the second half, controlling play. From this strong base, a series of rapid passes moved the ball down the right wing, crossing to Johnson in the centre, who set up Ian Hedges to sweep the ball into the back of the net. This was followed up quickly by a further goal from Rowan Tejura to open up clear distance and 5 goals between the two teams.
Hedges picked up a second, after a powerful shot from Jack Mumford was deflected past the keeper on the reverse at the left post, however, the flood gates seemed to close up for a while afterwards. Slaz played some great posession hockey, passing through the midfield, however a series of good saves from the keeper and lacklustre finishing kept the scoreline at 6-0. With time running out, another breakaway movement set up Darren Buttery to net his second, finishing the game in style.
Slaz will face The City of York in the Cup Semi-finals on the 11th November, and return to league action hosting Lincoln on Saturday.
