Ladies 2nds (1) vs. (0) Pudsey 1st’s
The ladies second team are now ten points clear at the the top of division three after a 1-0 win over pudsey at the weekend. It was a shakey start as the opposition started strongly but slazengers were able to cope with the pressure. Midway through the first half slazengers started to dominate, several short corners were awarded but all were unsuccessful. The second half continued much the same with the slazengers team dominating once again. Finally sustained pressure was awarded and following a brilliant run from man of the match Hannah Field, a goal was set up for daisy gee sanders mid way through the second half. The opposition were kept under pressure the remainder of the match, however the score remained 1-0.
Ladies 3rd’s (0) vs. (5) Thirsk
Slaz ladies 3s faced one of their toughest matches yet against second place Thirsk, who had only lost 1 of their 7 games, scored 47 goals and conceded only 7. The team knew they would be playing a more defensive game than usual and adopted a different formation with 4 at the back and twin centre forwards. The new formation took some getting used to and the ladies were out of their comfort zone, Thirsk taking advantage of Slaz’s awkwardness scored an early goal. The rest of the first half continued in the same vain with Slaz constantly on the defensive. The Slaz defence continued to fight including player of the match young Hettie Walker, and Lizzie Tunstall made a couple of great saves, but they could not deter the young North Yorkshire representatives, the half time score 4-0.
Slaz came back more confident after a couple of minor adjustments, and finally managed to break through with some good passing from midfield and a run into the D but the ball was played over the back line. A couple of chances followed to no avail, and Thirsk on the counter scored again. Final score 5-0 Thirsk.
Ladies 4th’s (2) vs. (0) Doncaster 4th’s
After a difficult start to the season, Slazenger started well in their home game against Doncaster. Early on chances were created but the home team was unlucky not to score. Slazenger controlled the midfield and on the rare occasion Doncaster got close the scoring, defenders Mandy Lacey and Catreena Ferguson stood in their way. In the second half Slazenger continue to play strong and a pass from Beth Prince was finished into a goal by Ingrid Coughtrey. The home team kept playing some brilliant hockey and the pressure stayed on the Doncaster defence. A precise free hit from Emma Hanson gave Ingrid Coughtrey the opportunity to take the score to 2-0. Even thou Doncaster played well till the end, the home team was able to hold onto their lead, which gave Slazenger Ladies 4th team their first win of the season.
Mens 1st’s (1) vs. (4) Halifax 1st’s
Slaz were under a lot of pressure from the top of league team but seemed to handle it well for most of the game. Slaz created some good chances but were unable to capitalise. Dan Perry made good runs and stud up to a physical side well and never gave up. Richard Tuddenham scored the only goal from a nice short corner routine.
At the other end of the pitch Tom Murray had a great debut making some great saves to keep slaz in with a chance for the whole 1st half. But 10 min into the 2nd half Halifax got 2 break through goals to make a comeback unlikely. Slaz pushed the Halifax defence and created so good chance that could have turned the game again.
Man of match Tom Murray
Mens 2nd’s (1) vs. (6) Sheffield Hallam 6th’s
Slazengers mens 2nd team suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Sheffield Hallam Mens 6th team on Saturday, coming out on the wrong end of a 6-1 scoreline. Slazengers were slow off the mark and a well drilled Sheffield team immediately put them under pressure with Slazengers finding themselves 3 down in the first 15 minutes. Slazengers settled down and began creating some chances but failed to convert and it was Sheffield who nicked a 4th to leave the half time scoreline 4-0.
Slazengers started the 2nd half determined to make a better shout of things and were probably the stronger of the 2 sides for much of the half, Sheffields 2 goals both coming from avoidable errors. Matt Stacey grabbed Slazengers goal, his 6th in 3 games, and Aidan Hopkinson took the man of the match award.
Slazengers have a bye week on Saturday but entertain local rivals Wakefield the following weekend and will look to bounce back in style.
Mens 3rd’s (1) vs. (7) Hull University 2nd’s
Slazenger 3’s were given a sobering lesson during their latest fixture against Hull University. They were guilty of not converting any of the many goal scoring opportunities they created during the first half hour of the match and were made to pay heavily once their period of domination was over.
Time and again great chances were squandered, whilst James Higgins and Rob Whawell coped well with the few Hull excursions into the Slazenger penalty area. It was almost inevitable that Slazenger’s went behind to the first penalty corner they conceded.
This setback was quickly rectified when striker John Sykes levelled the score from a penalty corner of their own. It was hoped that Slazengers were back on track and would continue to take the game to the opposition. This did not prove to be the case.
As good as the Horbury team had been in the first half, Hull simply didn’t allow Slazengers to play as effectively in the second half. They were fast and quick in midfield and were too skilful when in possession. Slazenger conceded another 3 goals from penalty corners and the further behind they fell the more dispirited they became. There were attacking threats all over the pitch and it became a thankless task trying to prevent wave after wave of pressure. Final score was a resounding 7-1 defeat.
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