Leek 5ths have arguably been the form team in the division following the Xmas break, following on from their promotion season last year.

Having beaten leaders Leek 4s and second placed Wolverhampton in recent weeks and drawing with fourth placed Stafford in recent weeks, surely Leek couldn’t follow that up with a result against third placed Shrewsbury – could they?

The omens were not good to start. Already shorn of several key players due to injury, work commitments and unfortunate promotion to a higher team, Leek’s line up had an unfamiliar look. The poor omens were further enhanced through the reporting of walking wounded Bettany (chest) and Cook (gastric issues, general grey/green pallor).

Leek started brightly however, moving the ball well and sharply and took a deserved lead when Lawleys trademark reverse- sweep-lob at an unnatural slow pace- tomahawk found its way to the back of the net.

Cue the Shrewsbury response. Following the goal, Leek saw why Shrewsbury had been flying high in the table. Utilising a high press, the away side produced arguable the highest quality hockey Leek had faced as they bamboozled the makeshift Leek defence with their movement and pace. After scoring a deserved equalizer, Leek were thankful for the sharpness of Grant in goal and the profligacy of the away side to keep them level at the half time break.

Following a reshuffle at half time, Leek took the initiative again and this time they would not relinquish it. Debutant Durston provided much need solidity at the back as Leek sprang the high press and tore into the away side from the restart. Lowe, Cook and Shuttlewood led the defence a merry dance and Leek deservedly took the lead after another trademark reverse- sweep on the floor – tomahawk from Lawley.

Shortly afterwards Leek were 3-1 up – the evergreen Lowe finishing off a fine move with style.

Shrewsbury’s attacks were now far less potent as they became increasingly wary of Leeks pacy, and in Cooks case, green and bilious, attackers. Leek’s midfielders worked tirelessly to protect the back line with Smith, Mounsey and Finney to the fore. When they did break through, Bettany, Burnett and Duration coped comfortably with the increasingly long ball tactics of the opposition.

Leek did have a scare as a wayward pass in midfield was picked off and leading to a breakaway attack on the Leek goal. Fortunately, Burnett was there to thwart the danger with a trademark tackle. Unfortunately, the trademark was owned by the All Blacks and Shrewsbury were awarded a penalty stroke whilst Burnett looked in vain for a card that would surely be shown (it wasn’t !).

Cometh the hour – the Shrewsbury attacker approached the flick with confidence, attempting to read goalkeeper Grants thoughts and actions. However, he was out-smarted by the home keeper, falling like a mighty giant redwood to deny the away side.

You could almost hear the deflation from the away side as Leek immediately went on the attack, winning a short corner and, utilising the famous number 3 routine, saw Finney Jnr fire the ball home.

This was a hugely impressive result for the home side against arguably the best side in the league, one that benefitted both Leek sides.

With the spirit and commitment being shown, especially by the youngsters in the side, this has already been a hugely rewarding and successful season. Having played all of the teams above them Leek now have five fixtures to determine their final finishing place. Leek 1 and 2 anyone?