Slazenger mens 1st’s hosted Adel 1sts on Saturday, expecting a tough encounter with the high flying top of the league side. However, it was the visitors who struggled, eventually being run out 4-2
It was the a quick, end to end game, with both sides playing some free flowing hockey. Slaz struck first, a 40 meter aerial from half back Phil Midgley found Ian Hedges, and while the keeper was out quick, blocking his shot, Richard Tuddenham followed up to get the opener. The team continued to press, with a second goal coming from a goal mouth scramble which Matt Stacey slotted away.
In the second half, Adel came out fast, looking to steal the initiative and indeed it was the visitors who struck back, quickest. Matt Stacey was there again however to counter it, with an aggressive solo effort, finishing on the reverse.
Adel continued to press, but Slazenger put in a huge effort to close out any attacking options. Paul Wiper, Isaac Fisher and Stacey held the midfield, along with hard work from the Slazenger defence and keeper Andy Loftus.
Tuddenham capitalised on a late Slaz break to score a fourth. In the dying seconds however, Adel won a penalty corner, and netted a consolation goal on the final whistle.
