Leisure Leagues round-up: In-form Slytherin notch a sixth win on the spin

This week’s round of Leisure Leagues matches were played under autumn like skies at Hemel FC, but that didn’t prevent Slytherin FC from celebrating their sixth win in succession.
Hemel Hempstead Leisure Leagues side ATBLHemel Hempstead Leisure Leagues side ATBL
Hemel Hempstead Leisure Leagues side ATBL

Their opponents on the night, Have You Got It, gave a commendable effort and even found themselves leading by four goals to one early on.

But Sam Sambucci’s Slytherin FC were not about to admit defeat that easily and they fought back admirably to lead 5-4 at half-time.

Darren Hewitt fired home a hat-trick and man of the match Josh Spinks netted an incredible five goals for Slytherin to illustrate why they are top of the league.

The 13-9 defeat was disappointing for Asa Foster’s Have You Got It side as they had started so well and were on course for the fifth win in as many games.

In the Premiership, newly promoted international outfit Butterflies FC looked on form from the outset against experienced side The Fellowship.

Butterflies applied consistent pressure on The Fellowship defence and this gave them a one-goal advantage at the half-time break.

Andy Jeffreys, player/manager of The Fellowship, did attempt to buoy his side but he wasn’t able to address their defensive issues and this was exploited by Marcin Maslowski’s men.

Mateusz Kucinski was awarded man of the match for an outstanding effort throughout the game; he scored one and also assisted fellow striker Bogdan Bratu as Butterflies went on to celebrate a convincing 9-6 win.

Ayden Peacock’s Smack My Pitch Up were hoping to gain their third win of the season this week as they faced fifth placed Up Yours FC.

Martin Gorman was forced to field a number of his upcoming youth squad as key first team players were unavailable.

The unusually youthful side did start well although they still found themselves trailing 3-2 at half-time.

Dave Amos of Smack My Pitch Up was inspirational for his team; he scored with a clinical shot from the penalty spot and then proved his ability as a keeper during his stint in goal during the second half.

Peacock’s men fully deserved the 10-3 victory, while Gorman will take some consolation from the enthusiasm his younger lads showed on the night.

Kegs Down FC, who donned their usual dazzling orange jerseys, faced Matt Armstrong’s Big P FC.

The boys in black are improving with every fixture and they always offer great entertainment for the neutrals, as well as their loyal fan base.

Nevertheless, Kegs Down, who were without their captain Liam James, did their leader proud as they took many of the opportunities they created in front of goal.

Ellis Bannard got himself on the scoresheet and managed to pick up the man of the match accolade for supplying countless fine passes through to team-mates, enabling them to record an 11-2 win.

It was an extremely close encounter between league old hands Hemel Elite, and the seventh placed Championship side, ATBL.

Elite, who were intent on repeating their impressive performance from last week, looked very comfortable in possession, and they were able to create several chances in front of goal, thanks largely to man of the match Steve Bull.

Bull’s manager, Chris Wyatt, was also on form throughout the game as he proved his agility once more with some extraordinary saves.

While Charlie Bull’s ATBL did battle valiantly, they were not able to gain the winning goal and it was Elite who took the points, winning narrowly 8-7. Elsewhere, Liam Stonebank scored twice in AFC Lech Alban’s match with Up Yours FC - who luckily for them, had the safe hands of Duncan Radband in goal. Albans did concede a penalty, only for it to be saved expertly by Dilraj Johal, ensuring his team gained the win. Later on, Chicken Kiev looked sharp against Fellowship Elite and they netted six in total during the game. Surprisingly, their opponents were more than a match and Kiev keeper Paul Paprotny was called in to action on numerous occasions as he denied a series of powerful strikes, earning himself the man of the match award.

If you are interested in joining this exciting league as a team or an individual player, simply call Gary the regional manager on 07983 225566.