It must have been the early start that was the reason for Slazenger’s starting sluggishly against York in their latest development league fixture. Despite dominating possession the team never converted this dominance into goals. York were a young, well organised team with a pair of good central defenders who Slazengers struggled to get past.
That said, Aidan Hopkinson never stopped working hard in midfield and Dave Smyth was always available to link play between midfield and attack. The first and only goal of the game came after a tactical switch saw captain for the day Matthew Stacey switch from the left to right wing. Almost immediately he began rampaging down the right-hand side and started to put in telling crosses for the forwards to try and get on the end of. Eventually Robert Cann was in the right place to convert one of these chances. Half-time score 1-0.
Second half Slazengers increased the work rate and showed more urgency. They were first into the tackle and made themselves available for passes. That said the majority of attacks continued down the right hand side and numerous chances were created and squandered. Debutant Danny Ryan Smith came close with a snap shot inside the goalmouth and Harry Bullock saw a tame shot deflected wide by the keeper.
Best effort of the day was missed when Matthew Stacey was put in clear by Dave Smyth, only for his pass to evade a team mate in front of an open goal.
Slazenger 4’s next game is at home against Doncaster, 4.30 pm pushback.
