Lincoln Roses

Slazenger men’s first team came into the game with Lincoln firsts looking to bounce back from a heavy defeat the previous week. Slazenger started brightly, playing fast flowing hockey from the off, creating early chances and taking a deserved lead with Ben Graham finishing neatly after good work from Neil Hutchins.
 
However, the early pace soon began to take it’s toll and with a depleted squad of only eleven, Lincolns ability to introduce fresh legs allowed them to take control with Slazenger finding themselves 2-1 down at the half. The second half began with Lincoln doubling their lead, although Slazenger immediately hit back through Scott Croucher.
 
And when James Swinden pounced on a defensive error to set Mark Butel up for an easy finish, Slazenger began to press for the victory. Lincoln didn’t lose heart however and were beginning to press themselves and when a yellow card reduced Slazenger to ten men, they began to create pressure and soon converted a short corner. Slazenger could have been forgiven for letting their heads go down but they continued to battle, something which has been lacking in previous weeks.
 
It was left to Mark Butel to convert a short corner to earn Slazenger a much deserved draw. Ben Graham took the “man of the match” honours with Mark Butel not far behind. A special mention must be made of young Maddie Swinden who has finally made a much anticipated, all be it a little messy, debut.

Report by B Graham

Slazenger collected a welcome three points in this hard fought North Hockey League East Division 2 Fixture. Slazenger started brightly, attacking their hosts from Lincoln down both wings and both Paul Wiper and Alec Gilston saw good shots saved.

However, despite their pressure, Slazenger were unable to score and became increasingly vulnerable to Lincoln’s swift counter-attacks. From one such break, Lincoln were awarded a penalty corner which they duly converted.

Slazenger trailed 1-0 at half time , but had a more determined look about them in the second half. They felt they would have been awarded a penalty stroke when Mike Thornicroft was up-ended by the Lincoln Keeper. Instead, the umpire awarded a penalty corner and Mark Swinden made amends by powerfully flicking the ball home.

Slazenger continued to press forward and were rewarded shortly after when Alec Gilston finished off a well worked move involving Wiper and Thornicroft with an unstoppable rising shot from the edge of the area.

Slazenger were forced to defend for the remaining part of the match but a strong rear-guard action led by Will Buckley, Chris Hayton and keeper James Cowden restricted Lincoln’s opportunities. As a result of the victory, Slazenger rose two places in the table and look forward to the visit of Gateshead on Saturday at 1:30pm.

Match played at Lincoln Hockey club on 8th November 2003