Slazenger Men’s 5ths (Development) travelled to Lincoln to face Lindum. A tight game played out in 23 degree heat saw no goals but plenty of sweat!
Both teams had chances but it finished goalless. Slazenger MoM was Alex Stacey who constantly troubled the Lindum defence.
The mens 1st team had a tough encounter with high flying Lindum 2nds, a strong physical team with a good run of form. Slaz started well brightly, with some good passing play and high pressing. However, Lindum defended well, and the game was well balanced for the first 20 minutes. It was Matthew Stacey who broke the deadlock, with a solo effort; breaking through the visitors defence and coolly slotting the ball past the keeper. This was followed up before the break with a penalty flick sealed by Richard Tuddenham.
In the second half, the visitors came out harder and more physical than before, netting a goal in response. The last 10 minutes were a tough defensive exercise for the Horbury side, as they held onto their slim margin.
Next week the 1st’s travel to Airdale, hoping to keep their run of form going.
Slazengers 4s continued their campaign away at Lindum 7th’s in a tight encounter. It was a very tense first half with many short corners going Lindums way but were very well defended by Slaz. At half time both teams were positive and were wanting to score that crucial first goal which may win them the game. Lindum had a very good shout for a goal but was disallowed as the shot came from outside the circle so Slaz remained with a clean sheet.
Eventually the pressure became too much as Lindum scored a lucky goal with a deflected shot which lobbed goalkeeper Dan Alderson to take the lead. After Slaz began to create chances but discipline was lacking as Sam Haigh, Ben Stevenson and Josh Dunstan were all in the sin bin at different intervals for not retreating 5 yards from the ball which made it even harder for the greens. In the last two minutes Slaz pulled one back with a brilliant strike from Neil Stacey to even the game up.
The greens could’ve had another with the final whistle being blown as Slaz were about to shoot at goal to end the game. A very fair result and man of the match goes to goal scorer Neil Stacey to round off a great performance but also the midfield of Sam Haigh, Chris Gascgoine and debutant Harry Lumb produced solid showings.
Slazenger mens 1st’s had an early start for their journey to Lincoln based Lindum HC for a midday start;travelling with a reduced squad, it looked like a tough encounter for the team. However, they needn’t have been worried, coming away with a 9-2 victory.
The team played some fast flowing hockey, controlling play and moving the ball around the midfield. It was Richard Tuddenham who struck first after a well worked ball was played through the midfield before being crossed into to circle to be shot home.
Once the first goal was scored, Slaz never looked back. Before half time, Tuddenham had netted two more and Captain Paul Wiper had got on the score sheet with a well taken volley from a keepers rebound.
The second half, Lindum struck back with a pair of goals, well worked through the centre, taking advantage of a 10 minute spell of poor play from the visitors.
This rallied the team, and Slaz scored a further 5; Tuddenham getting his fourth and fifth, with further goals from Ian Hedges, Ste Roberts and Phil Midgley grabbing the ninth in the final seconds of the game.
Final result Lindum 3rd’s (2), Slazenger 1st’s (9)
Slazengers mens 2nd team put in a strong performance on Saturday running out comfortable 8-2 winners against Lindum Mens 4’s. Slazengers started strongly and took the lead when quick thinking by Matt Stacey resulted in him taking a quick free hit to himself, driving into the circle and firing home. Lindum weren’t happy with the original free hit and were soon doubly disappointed as Stacey grabbed his second finishing a good team move. Simon Randall making his first appearance of the season got on the score sheet as did Daz Buttery finishing neatly at the back post.
Lindum pulled one back but it was Slazengers who continued to press, playing good hockey throughout and pressing Lindum at every opportunity. Buttery got his second following good work down the right and then Stacey completed his hat trick just before the break.
The second half saw Slazengers slow a little thinking the job was done allowing Lindum to get a 2nd. Slazengers picked up their intensity again with Matt Stacey grabbing his fourth with an excellent reverse stick strike and Ben Graham completing the scoring. Matt Stacey took the man of the match award for Slazengers.
Slazengers Ladies 3s had an unfortunate loss against Lindum this weekend at home. Slaz started out well with a speedy goal in the first 10 seconds of the match from some skilful playing from Caroline Schofield. Lindum then began to find their feet and slipped away 2 goals in the back of the net.
Despite some hard battles and attacks from Slazengers, the score line remained at 2-1 at half time.
Unfortunately Lindum scored a further two goals, before player of the match Caroline Schofield netted her second. Slazengers then pulled another one back before the final whistle sounded and the result was a 4-3 loss to Slazengers.
Slazenger HC
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Slazenger Hockey Club is a family friendly hockey club based in Horbury, Wakefield, West Yorkshire.
Slazenger Sports and Social Club
Southfield Lane,
Addingford,
Horbury,
Wakefield,
WF4 5BH,