Slazengers having moved up a Division and holding their own last time out; again faced tough opposition against some more well established teams. With an excellent squad turnout once again, Slazenger were warmed up and ready to go…
Slazenger (0) v (0) Leeds
Leeds pushed hard, but with good decisive tackling from the well organised Slazenger defence they stopped all attacks on goal and Harry Buttery made a great save against a well fought short corner. Slazengers were well disciplined and won numerous free hits to allow Will Gascoigne to get the ball wide up field to allow Charlie Bland into the D but no goal!
A good start to the day and at the final whistles all square.
Slazenger (0) v (3) Wakefield A
Slaz went out expecting tough opposition against local rivals Wakefield. They were difficult to contain and Slazenger were one down after an early goal. Slazengers were soon to be two goals down against a very strong attacking Wakefield side.
Slazengers defended well and created a chance when Niran Tejura passed to Owen Bland giving Slazengers a good attacking position only for Wakefield’s defence to nullify with a good tackle and drive the ball up field for their third and final goal. The 0-3 scoreline was disappointing for the team who had battled well in the game.
Slazenger (0) v (3) Airedale
Slazengers went out hoping for a good result but went one down quickly against the strongest team of the Division 2. Things got worse when, after an unfortunate rebound following a great save from Harry Buttery, Slazengers found themselves trailing by two.
Some great midfield play from Nat Gunning and Joe Minchella showed how well the younger players were developing, but the great positional awareness from the Airedale side showed up our own weaknesses in that area and they scored their third goal!
Slazengers knew they had a lot to do in their remaining games to stay in this division!
Slazenger (0) v (0) Driffield
The team formation was changed slightly with Owen Bland playing up front and dropping Niran Tejura to centre mid to give us a more attacking option against a very strong Driffield side.
After the start Slazengers were soon defending hard against the formidable attacking strength of Driffield with great stops and tackling from James Hayton and Will Fealy in defence backed up with determination and good communication in Midfield. The game finished with a well earned Draw but more importantly some really good Hockey from the boys.
Slazengers (2) v (0) Sheffield
Needing a win to stay in the 2nd division, the boys were told to “just go for it and play their best hockey!” Parents and players were well rewarded as the evenly matched teams fought for victory; both teams needing a win to stay in Div 2! Slazengers attacked from the start and a great cross from Niran Tejura allowed a strong goal from Owen Bland.
The game was end to end and great character from a confident Harry Buttery in goal showed him leave his line to clear a powerful Sheffield shot on target with two of their players closing on him! James Hayton then ensured Sheffield couldn’t equalize with a great stop and solid defending with Will F beside him. With a fast turnaround and good link play again wide allowed Lucas Smith to drive the ball to just outside the D and a neat pass allowed Owen to drive home number two. We could easily have had a couple more goals but for good defending from Sheffield keeping out both Smith’s and Niran Tejura’s shots.
The boys certainly enjoyed the day out, remained in division 2, and were beaming with pride for the journey back home. James was awarded ‘Player of the Tournament’ and Will F proved to be the most improved player.
Now beginning to form a good strong squad with an enhanced understanding of each other for set pieces and good field movement they are well placed for keeping their place in Division Two.
