The ladies 4th team travelled for a floodlit game to York. It was an evenly matched start, till York managed to take control and kept Slaz on the defensive. Due to some brilliant saves from ‘Player of the Match’ GK Chloe Bates, Slaz stayed in the game . But after yet another short corner, York were able to net the rebound.

Slaz stayed strong after that and created a good chance for Alice Gascoigne, which was well saved. York got the upper hand for the rest of the first half, but with both Slazenger’s backs, Robyn Campbell and Catreena Ferguson, defending well no further chances were given for another home score.

Early pressure in the second half saw Slaz pushing into York’s half. This left some space for York to counter attack and the home team scored their second goal on 57 min. Play kept going from end to end and Slaz’s forwards Emma Claughton and Josie Hughes were unlucky to not get a good final touch to the ball to test York’s keeper.

After another quick break from York and some slow defending from Slaz the home team was able to outplay Slaz’s defence to make it 3-0. Both teams continued to create half chances, but neither were able to add any further goals.

It was another brilliant team effort from Slaz’s ladies development team, and a lot of positives will be taken from this performance.

The Ladies development team played their first home game of this season against City of York 6. With the lots of support both on and off the field for the Slazenger’s youngsters, the start was evenly matched with neither team taking control. City of York scored on 11 min, this was followed by a period of good pressure from the home team which resulted in a penalty corner. But the quick York defence stopped an attempt at goal. A further 10 min of good play from Slazenger resulted in more penalty corners, but they were unable to score from them.

City of York started bright in the 2nd half, but the home team soon got back into their stride. The first half performance had given the young players the confidence boost needed to step it up. Some great play in the defence and midfield resulted in some good attacks which narrowly missed the goal on several occasions. On 60 min, Slazenger’s got the result for all their hard work through another attack set up well from midfield, passed to Ingrid Coughtrey, who was able to score at close range.

The visitors started to play better and play went from end to end. But again the defence worked hard and they were able to stop York scoring again and the game ending in a well deserved 1 – 1 draw.

The players have been working hard at training sessions to become more familiar with each other and this showed at the game through great team spirit and tireless willingness to work for each other. As the confidence grows in all the youngsters and senior members of the team, they are hopeful their game play will keep improving. And in the near future they will be able to push for a win!