Slazenger travelled across to Hull expecting a challenging game against top of the table Hull and a challenging game was what they got. Slaz were missing key central squad players, meaning re-organisation of their structure was necessary and Hull took full advantage of both this and the Slaz unfamiliarity of their home pitch (which Slaz had definitely not missed last year).
Having said this, the first half was very closely fought with both sides having chances which they failed to take. Slazenger’s defence worked really hard to contain Hull, reflected by the fact that player of the match voting was split between two defenders – Amy Smeaton and Donna Slack. The half time score remained at 0-0 despite a last minute short corner giving Slaz a glimmer of hope that they could still get something out of this game.
Unfortunately after the half time break Hull came out the stronger team, stepping up a gear with their key players working well together in midfield. Despite Slazenger efforts, an early goal was conceded, followed very quickly by another. Slaz were somewhat shocked by this and knew they had to come back fighting and quickly. Their efforts were almost immediately rewarded when a short corner was ably converted by Sarah Hobbs.
Unfortunately Slazenger were not able to hold on to their lead for long as the opposition quickly came back and extended their lead once more. The game was looking more and more out of the reach of Slazenger when a fine Linda Stacey goal came from her persistence on the right flank as she drove into the D and shot hard for Slazenger’s second giving the away team hope once more. However, Hull once again surged and were able to score two further goals leaving Slaz with their first defeat of the new season. Next week is home vs Halifax at 12.00 and with most of the squad available Slazenger are hoping for a better result.
