After 2 promotions in 2 seasons, Slazengers Mens second team always knew they were going to be in for a tough season but in the end, will be disappointed to come away from their opening league fixture with nothing having gone down 3-2 away at York. Slazengers started brightly and with a mixture of youth and experience in their side, caused York a few problems early on. Slazengers early good play saw them rewarded with a short corner which was duly converted by Simon Chamberlain after Jonny White’s initial shot was saved. York began to play good hockey themselves with Slazengers beginning to sit back and look to attack on the break. It was one of these breaks which saw Slazengers win another short corner, this time captain Ben Graham converted after a neat one/two at the top of the ‘D’. York upped their work rate and began to force some chances but with the defence holding firm, York managed to win themselves a short corner. After Jonny White illegally blocked the ball on the line, a penalty stroke was awarded and converted leaving the half time score 2-1 to Slazengers.
A change of positions in the 2nd half seemed to leave Slazengers undecided on who to mark and it was this confusion which allowed York to equalise. Both teams created chances in the 2nd half but it was York who claimed a controversial winner after a seemingly blatant obstruction at the top of the ‘D’. Slazengers pressed for an equaliser but were unable to convert.
Tom Pitchforth and Jez Whawell both impressed for Slazengers who will look to gain their first points at home to Huddersfield Dragons on Saturday.
