Mens 1st’s (4) vs. (1) Kingston-Upon-Hull 2nd’s
Slaz won the push and started with a spring in their step, moving the ball round well, shifting across the pitch and moving hull around. Neither side we able to get an early goal but both created good chances.
Keeper James Cowden had a great game and did well to keep several good shots out of the goal. Slaz got the break with a great solo goal effort from Dan Perry.
Hull came back and got one to level the score within 10 min and they pilled on the pressure. They looked like their league position was going to take the game, but the slaz defence held them off well.
Slaz got the 3rd goal of the game catching the hull side off guard on the break from Jack Mumford. From then jack got another soon after and Isaac slotted in the 4th for a 4-1 win. Dan Perry got man of match but the game was a great team performance and was their best of the season
Men’s 2nds (P) vs. (P) Hull University 2nd’s
CANCELLED DUE TO FROZEN PITCH
Men’s 3rd’s (3) vs. (1) L.A.Carnegie 6th’s
After recent cancellations due to the winter weather Slazenger 3’s started their recent game against Leeds Adel Carnegie rather sluggishly. That and the addition of a couple of new players, Aidan Hopkinson and Robin Whawell into the midfield, ensured that Slazengers struggled to gel as a unit initially and this encouraged the away team to take the initiative. It was no surprise, if a little unfortunate, when they managed to score a scrappy goal at the far post, when the home defence failed to clear their lines.
The home team didn’t panic and continued to try and play their game, which slowly but surely they began to do.Luke Gueli drew the sides level when he squeezed the ball between the keeper and his post after a previous shot had only been deflected across the goalmouth. It wasn’t long before Ste Roberts took the initiative with another pacy attack and deftly placed the ball into the corner of the goal whilst on the floor after loosing his footing. Despite taking the lead Slazengers still struggled to get a grasp on marking opponents when defending, due to the oppositions fairly fluid team formation. However, the home team went into the half-time break with the goal advantage.
Second half was just as tough for both teams. In a fairly end to end game Mark Kitchen and Tony Walker had to be at their best to fend off several attacks. Half back Alex Calderley had an outstanding game nullifying Adel’s attacking options down their right hand side. The game was finally decided when captain Andy Fisher converted a short corner to give the home team a 2 goals cushion with 5 minutes to go. Final score 3-1.
Mens 4th’s (P) vs. (P) Hull University 3rd’s – CANCELLED DUE TO FROZEN PITCH
Mens 5th’s (1) vs. (2) Worksop 3rd’s
[Awaiting report]
Men’s Veterans (1) vs. (0) Thirsk 1st’s
The men’s vets hosted Thirsk vets in the Yorkshire Veterans Cup. It was a close run affair with both teams going close throughout. Some solid defensive work at the back from Tony Walker and Mark Swallow soaked up the attack. It was Alan Perry who eventually broke the deadlock, tipping in a ball, injected into the D from Geoff Birkett to seal the result.
Ladies 1st’s (3) vs. (2) University of Leeds 2nd’s
The first double header weekend of the season saw Slazenger take the full compliment of points, maintaining their mid table position. The first game of the weekend was against Leeds University. Despite their bottom of the table position, Leeds came out showing a desire to win, with some good attacking play.
Slaz however persisted and scored against the run of play after consecutive short corners when Jessica Rudge slotted the ball home after a goalmouth scramble. This seemed to shake Leeds up slightly and man of the match Katie Firth scored from a rebound to give Slaz a 2-0 lead at half time. Leeds came back strongly in the second half but Slaz dampened their spirits once again with a third goal by Katie Firth. Leeds managed to pull two goals back but looked less like a threat as the game progressed. Despite the game coming to a complete standstill for a while, waiting for the Umpire tried to tie his shoelace; Slaz ended the game pleased with their performance and looking forward to the second game of the weekend against Driffield.
Ladies 1st’s (3) vs. (1) Driffield 1st’s
Slaz went in to the second game of the weekend knowing that they could make it mathematically impossible for Driffield to overtake them and make it more likely for their opponents to be relegated. However there was no room for sentiment and as we know from this league, being bottom of the table does not necessarily mean an easy game. The first goal was not long in coming – the short corner conversion rate was improving and and injector Amy Smeaton scored her first goal for Slaz as Amanda Sowerby drew the defence and passed it back to the far post. Despite Driffield coming back strongly, with some good linking play from their North of England Masters players, Slaz scored from yet another short corner. This time Amanda Sowerby followed up to put the ball in the back of the net. Driffield showed that they were still in the game as they scored to narrow the deficit to 2-1. The second half was a close fought affair with Driffield putting more pressure on Slaz until youngster Hannah Field calmly slotted the ball past the Driffield keeper (who had an excellent game, denying the Slaz forwards many opportunities). The final score was 3-1 to Slazenger and left them three points closer to safety.
Ladies 2nd’s (1) vs. (1) Harrogate 4th’s
After a succession of cancelled matches due to snow and ice, Slazenger 2nds were keen to play this fixture on a cold but sunny Saturday. As the whistle blew Slazengers sprang into action, passing the ball with accuracy and fluency, and moving purposefully around a surprised Harrogate. Their first attack came down the right wing, with a strong pass from Stacey Binns to Sue Hope. Sue sprinted, as fast as a 50 year old can, passed the defender to the by-line, before crossing to Nez to shoot. Unfortunately her shot flew millimetres past the far post.
Slazengers continued to pressurise the Harrogate defence, making it difficult for them to clear the ball from their own half. Further attacks were not converted into goals andHarrogate were eventually able to force their way from defence to attack. This gave their younger players an opportunity to show off their skill and speed. A fast break down the left gave space to cross to the back of the D, where the waiting player tucked the ball into the corner of the goal.
Not disheartened, Slazengers continued to press forward, with Andrea and Alex creating scoring opportunities for the attackers, but excellent saves from the Harrogate keeper prevented a goal.
Perseverance eventually paid off as a shot from Daisy deflected off a defenders stick into the path of Sue, allowing her an easy tap-in to the open goal.
During the second half, play flowed from end to end. Both teams had opportunities to score but strong defending, particularly from Slanzengers goal keeper Lisa, and defenders Julie, Karen and Heather, prevented a change in the score line.
Man of the Match went to goal keeper Lisa for some fantastic saves and general defending. However, overall it was a good team performance.
Report: 02-02-2013 – Ladies 3rd’s (1) vs. (4) Lincoln Roses 1st’s
Slaz ladies 3rd’s had a tough encounter away to Lincoln Roses 1st team. After two weeks of cancellations due to the snow and ice, the team were raring to go, however a lack of availability from several team regulars meant the team was running on a bare 11.
Unfortunately, the below strength team struggled to compete against the home side. Captain Gemma Whittam was able to bag a consolation goal. Charlotte Gunn picked up m.o.m.