On Saturday, Slaz Ladies 2’s met fellow title chasers Cleckheaton 1sts in a stormy encounter at the Southfield pitch. The teams battled through wind and rain, though it was the hosts who suffered a 5-3 reversal.
Slaz started brightly, and within the first minute had scored the opener; Nez Rollinson sweeping the ball in after a series of fast flowing passes across the midfield. However, the lead was disappointingly short lived, with Cleckheaton returning the favour within a minute.
Slazenger continued to press, though a break from Cleckheaton found a hole through the midfield, preceding to score again. At the other end of the pitch, a penetrating series of passes gave Slaz the advantage again. Millie Crowther was in hand to chip the ball in from the penalty spot to make it 2-2
With the game getting close to half time, Cleckheaton managed to put another 2 in, edging ahead and leaving the score 4-2 at half time.
The second half was again a close affair. The weather increasingly worsened, with high winds and heavy rain testing the mettle of the players. This time however, it was Cleckheaton who scored the opening goal and opening up a 3 goal advantage.
Slaz fought back, with increased passing rate, pressing deep into the opposition’s half. The pressure paid off; a defence splitting pass from skipper Nez Rollinson found Daisy Gee-Sanders, who dispatched it, bringing Slaz back into the game.
The final stretch of the match was all Slazenger’s, as they piled on the pressure. Sue Hope bagged a fourth, however it was disallowed by the umpire. In the end the Horbury side were unable to find the net, leaving the score at 5-3 to Cleckheaton.
Next week Slaz 2nds look to get back to winning ways when they host Ben Rhydding 4ths
