Mens 1sts
Mens 1st’s hosted Kingston Upon Hull 1st’s for a tough encounter at Addingford. Arriving with 5 substitutes and an unbeaten run in the league, it looked to be a close game, especially with key players missing from the Slazenger team. However, the hosts started quickly, frustratingly going close several times and hitting the post within the 10 minute mark. However, it was the hosts who scored first against the run of play.
Slaz equalised through Phil Midgley converting a short corner, and that tipped the balance back in the hosts favour. Slaz scored a second, through Paul Wiper tipping in a powerful strike from Jimmy Swinden.
Hull continued to threaten, and equalised into the second half. Slaz had the upper hand, but struggled to score with several missed opportunities. In the end, tenacity from Matthew Stacey, followed up by a crisp finish from Danny Perry was enough to record a 3-2 victory for Slaz.
Mens 2nds
Slazengers mens 2nd team traveled to Sheffield Uni Bankers in a confident mood following a recent run of good form and have only themselves to blame following a 5-4 defeat. Slazengers dominated the opening 20 minutes and were 2-0 up through Ben Jackson and Ben Graham but in reality could have been 5 or 6 to the good following a number of missed opportunities.
An unfortunate own goal allowed Sheffield back into it and after Slazengers intensity dropped, Sheffield upped their level to lead 3-2 at the break. Slazengers were determined to fight back and drew level early in the 2nd half, Jake Barras with an excellent finish only for Sheffield to immediately take the lead again. Slazengers didn’t let their heads drop this time and again bounced back through Asad Baig only for Sheffield once again to take the lead.
Despite Slazengers best efforts, they couldn’t find the net again. Slazengers will look to bounce back quickly against Ben Rhydding at home on Saturday.
Mens 3rds
The Mens 3rd team travelled to Hull for what was knew to be a challenging game ahead. Slaz got off to a rough start when Hull went 1-0 up early doors. However the lads came up with a swift reply when Tim Carr chipped the keeper from the edge of the D after some great build up play. With the game going back and forth they came into the half at 3-3.
The lads came out into the second half with everything against them. Frustratingly, this action packed half saw with two disallowed goals and a penalty flick which was taken by Andrew Brikett who had never missed in his hockey career until today. The game ended at 6-4 to a well organised Hull team. Man of the match went to Sam Haigh.
Ladies 2nds
In an exciting 2nd round cup match against Otliensians, Slazengers went straight on the attack, scoring early and keeping the pressure on. They lead 3-1 at half time but still came out in the second half with plenty of energy, worked really well as a team and continued to defend well and score great goals from open play and short corners.
The final score was a 7-3 win for Slazengers with Claire Dunstan, Karen Woodhead and Tuscany Mellor scoring 2 goals each and Phillipa Secker also scoring. Player of the match was Naomi Frith playing defensive centre midfield.
