Mens 1st’s (1) vs. (1) Leeds 5th’s
Slazenger 1st’s hosted Leeds 5th’s on Saturday at Addingford, Horbury in what turned into an frustrating encounter; ending 1-1.
It was Slaz who started the stronger, putting pressure on the visiting team with some fast flowing hockey which had been missing for the last couple of games. Looking like a team in control, the Horbury side held posession and began looking for holes in the Leeds defence. However leeds proved tough to break down; a well drilled defensive unit held the game at a deadlock.
A goal from Captain Paul Wiper put the visitors ahead, deftly defeating his defender in a single move and slotting the ball under an surprised keeper.
Leeds equalised shortly after, before the game returned to deadlock; Slaz unable to convert further chances. At the other end, a hard working defence and goalkeeer Andy Loftus prevented Leeds from sealing a win.
Mens 2nd’s (2) vs. (4) Leeds 6th’s
Slazengers mens 2nd team are finding themselves in a relegation battle after going down 4-2 at Leeds mens 6’s. Slazengers started brightly and were on the front foot immediately, putting Leeds under pressure and forcing mistakes. Slazengers took the lead when Ben Graham stole the ball in midfield and found Simon Randall upfront who drew the keeper and squared it to the onrushing Graham to finish into an empty net. This spurred Leeds into action who used their 5 substitutes well, controlling possession and creating chances of their own and despite the best efforts of the Slazengers defence, Leeds when into the half 2-1 up.
Slazengers battled hard in the 2nd half but it was Leeds who got the next crucial goal. Slazengers didn’t let their heads fall and played good hockey in spells, winning a short corner which Ted Richardson converted. The comeback was short lived however as Leeds immediately hit back to restore their 2 goal lead and held on for a 4-2 win. Slazengers entertain bottom side Ben Rhydding on Saturday in a must win game.
Mens 4th’s (1) vs. (0) Driffield 3rd’s
After a 7-1 thrashing away at Driffield it was now time for Slazenger 4 to make amends at home. It was obvious to stand in Captain Steve Johnson that it was going to take a monumental defensive effort from his back line and Scott Carruthers, Tony Walker, Ben Stevenson and Neil Stacey certainly didn’t disappoint, with keeper Dan Alderson making several great saves.
After a lengthy hand injury it was great to welcome the return Haydn Pitchforth back to the team who injected his usual strength and pace into the centre of the field, and interchanged seamlessly with Scouse to add that extra protection to the back 4.
A debutant performance from Darren Bailey into the midfield from defence was the big question mark in a game Slazenger needed to win. Darren simply blew that question mark away with a great performance.
With a strong Slazenger defensive formation in place all that was left to do was for Dean Minichella, Josh Swallow, Sam Haigh, DJ and Steve to engineer a goal from somewhere, and anywhere would do. This came in spectacular fashion mid way through the first half with one of the best team goals of our season.
Final score 1-0 to Slazenger, amends made.
Mens 5th’s (5) vs. (0) Bradford 4th’s
A strong and determined Slazengers development team took on Bradford looking for a league win after a few losses in the league. Solid defensive work with James Armitage and Scott Carruthers gave a sound platform to release the midfield into a great passing game involving Jack Lee, Will Gascoigne and Alex Stacey. By half time Slazengers had raced to a 5-0 lead leaving Bradford stunned. Great goals from Man of match Dan Cass and Davy Ramsdale secured the win by the interval. Great team effort as usual!
Ladies 2nd’s (4) vs. (0) Wakefield 4th’s
Slazengers started the game with the determination to secure a win and keep a clean sheet which is exactly what they did. Plenty of passing and moving and working together as a team.
Wakefield had very few opportunities on goal and spent most of their time defending. Slazengers scored 2 goals in each half giving them the 4-0 victory. Goals for Claire Dunstan, Sue Hope and 2 for Karen Woodhead.
Man of the match went to Sue Hope.
Ladies 4th’s (0) vs. (4) Dronsfield 1st’s
With Captain Julie Bailey still stranded on the sideline with injury, an understrength Ladies 4th team took to the pitch at Addingford on Saturday.
Unfortunately, the team struggled against a strong Dronfield side in the first half. While the team showed fantastic committment, the young side lacked the tactical knowledge of a more senior opposition. Unfortunately, this eventually showed with the visitors scoring 4 goals during the first half.
Following an inspirational half time talk by the clubs very own Ian Hedges – the ladies turned the game around. The team played a more expansive, aggressive hockey, stretching the opposition and finding holes in their defence. A fantastic midfield pairing of Emma Eley and Abigail Collins caused the visitors no end of problems, while Josie Hughes ans Serena Andrassy went agonisingly close several times throughout the second half. Whilst they were unable to convert the posession into goals, the team dominated the second half, with a strong defence keeping the scoreline 4-0.
Player of the match went to goalkeeper Lideya Booth.
Report: Slazenger U10’s
Slazenger U10 boys enjoyed a fine end to their season winning the final tournament.
Slazenger opened with a 4-0 victory against local rivals Wakefield. Tommy Randle, Luke Minchella (2) and Alex Hobson all finding the back of the net.
Next up was Harrogate, 2 goals by Miinchella was backed up with some fine defensive work by Josh Proctor. A 6-1 win over Huddersfield (Hobson 3 Michella 2 and Randle 1) saw debutants May Bailey and Harry Ashford fitting in with their new team mates and showing great promise. Lewis Killey marshalled the defense in a tight 1- 0 win over York – he was outstanding all afternoon.
Finally, with a tiring Slazenger side, unable to be caught at the top of the table, lost their unbeaten record with a 2-0 defeat to Doncaster. The scoreline could have been worse had it not been for a super save by rookie goal keeper Eleanor Randle and great blocking work by Junior Proctor.
All in all a great tournament from all of the players, securing promotion back to the top league, things certainly look great for next season.
