Sunday saw Slazenger Mens 4th’s taking on Wakefield 5th’s in the second round of the cup. The home team looked the underdogs going into the game, with Wakefield placed high in the division above. The game was a lot closer affair, with a possession well split between the two teams. It was Slazenger who appeared to have the upper hand, with some strong possession and attacking moves, especially as the game progressed. The home side had most of the shorts on goal, but the Wakefield Goalkeeper kept the visitors in the game.
Going into the second half, the teams were locked at 0-0; limited attacks from Wakefield were seen off by full-backs Dave Gascoigne and Tony Walker, while at the other end, the Slazenger attack were unable to find a way past the keeper. Wakefield took the lead against the run of play, a quick attacking move taking the Slazenger defence off guard, slotting the goal away. This galvanised Slaz, who were awarded a series of short corners, from which Andy Birkett equalised. Wakefield fought back into the game, scoring a second close to the end of the game, pushing Slaz to equalise in the last minutes of the game to take it to extra time.
Extra time passed off without a winner, forcing the game to be resolved on penalties. Slaz took the win on penalties, Roberts netted the first, while Wakefield hit the crossbar. Birkett netted his second and keeper Giles Field saved Wakefield’s response. Slazenger missed their third, allowing Wakefield into the game. However a successful flick from Jake Barras, left it to Under 16 Harry Gunning to coolly slot away the final penalty.
