Slazenger turned out to play Leeds Ladies for their final home game this season with a new Captain, a new formation and a couple of players who really made a difference to the squad. Whether these ingredients would change their losing streak was another question. The home team started strongly, following a very encouraging team talk by Kelly Whittam prior to the game. Despite the top of the league team taking a very early lead, Slaz kept on fighting and driving forward as a unit – it was fantastic to see from the touchline. An equaliser soon came for the home side, a great goal created by Ailish Hendry in the centre with Jessica Rudge the goal scorer. It was all Slazenger needed to develop that passion in their hearts again, this was then topped off with an excellent ball by Katie Browne to Huffy, who dribbled half the length of the pitch to score the Slaz second goal. Slaz continued to work hard and take the play to Leeds and Katie Browne scored another great goal to make the half time score line 3-1 to Slaz much to the delight of the home crowd.
After the break, continued excellent distribution work by Ailish in the centre, created lots of chances for well deserved Player of the match Katie Browne and young Slaz star Hannah Field. Slaz had to do a bit more defending but with Dave arriving to shout instructions on the sideline the defence performed admirably and kept a second half clean sheet. Late in the second half, Amy Smeaton scored a slightly controversial goal giving the home side their well deserved win and leaving Leeds slightly stunned.
Finally, all at Slazenger HC would like to congratulate Clare Taylor and Helen Hough for their selection into the North of England Lady Masters Squad. Even bigger congratulations go to GK Eleanor Townend on her selection to the North of England Squad and also as the Reserve GK for the England Masters squad for her age group, a fantastic achievement.
Next Saturday’s game, second to last this season is away to Rotherham where Slaz will look to continue the new trend.
