The form team in the league continued their impressive recent run with a comfortable win over tricky opponents Lichfield, despite having to make a number of changes to the starting line up. The victory was achieved despite Leek having to start the game with no goalkeeper with Grant strugglingly manfully with his sat nav. Leek lined up with eleven outfield players, with returning captain Finney assuming the quasi keeper role due to to his positional flexibility and expendability.

Despite this Leek started well, retaining possession and successfully keeping the opposition away from their goal. They even took the lead when Cooks shot was saved by the keeper who then inadvertently back heeled the ball into the net. With Grant now installed in goal having found his way out of the car park, Leek had another blow when Cooper was forced out of the game with injury. To compound the situation , Leek conceded with Lichfields only chance of the half, a scruffy affair that was ill-deserved. Leek were in control but were wary of Lichfields counter attacking threat. Spurred on by the tireless industry of Heath and Shuttlewood and the trickery of Lowe and Cook, Leek retook the lead when Wright converted from close range. The second half saw Leek take complete control of the game. Any threats on goal were snuffed out by Machin, Bettany and Gayes ably supported by the huge presence of Sokhal in midfield. Grant was solid in goal on the rare occasions tha5 the opposition did break through. Leek extended their lead, Shuttlewood squaring the ball to Wright whose goal bound shot was blocked illegally, resulting in a stroke being awarded, converted with customary aplomb by Lowe . Leek secured the win with a sharp close range finish from Machin from a penalty corner routine. Leek now move 4th in the table in what’s like being a tight finish to the season. Beacon are welcomed to Leek next week as the home side take one game at a time.