After a minutes silence for former player and club steward Bob France, who died in the week, Slazengers started their match against Hull in good form, dominating possession in the middle of the park and using the full width of the pitch to stretch the opposition.
After several promising breaks Slazengers won a penalty corner and Mark Kitchen was on hand to convert Jack Mumford’s previous effort after the umpire had allowed play to continue after an earlier infringement.
The away team continued to press and it wasn’t long before Darren Buttery scored a second goal, again from a penalty corner, when he unleashed a powerful shot on goal that deflected off a defenders toe into the top corner.
Slazenger’s third goal was a good team effort, with the ball moving quickly from the back, down the flank and then once Ste Roberts was put in on goal he didn’t miss the opportunity.
Hull continued to struggle against a composed Slazengers team and weren’t helped by having to play directly into the low winter sun. The home team made brief forays into the opposition half but were well managed by Tony Walker and Alex Calderley in defence.
Second half it was Slazenger’s turn to play into the glaring sunlight but after overcoming some early second half pressure the away team were relatively untroubled.
Alan Perry making a seasonal debut on the right wing had the beating of his marker and put several telling passes into the goalmouth but Slazengers failed to capitalise on these chances.
Luke Gueli, supported by left half Robin Whawell, did similarly good work on the left flank.
However Slazenger’s final goal once again was the result of a penalty corner, with Mark Kitchen getting his second of the game when the initial shot wasn’t properly cleared off the goal line.
Slazenger’s ensured they kept a clean sheet when keeper Ralph Toon raced off his line to stop a late Hull attack and the score remained 4-0.
A good team performance and a fitting tribute to a departed friend.
