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.
