Ladies 1
Ladies 1sts saw their second victory on the bounce, with a 2-0 victory over mid table Doncaster. After the win against Wakefield last week, Slazenger started the strongest with some fast attacking play. Early in the half, this yeilded results with a string of penalty corners, allowing Helen Hough to convert for the first. Slaz continued to pressure, and some hard work from midfielder Ellie Page, gave Slaz a further corner, which Hannah Field easily put away.
With Slaz 2-0 up at half time, the game wasn’t over and Doncaster worked hard to get back into the game. However, some great saves from goalie Tracy Lorriman and defending by Man of the Match Lisa Minchella kept a clean sheet. The hosts similarly continued to pressure, but were unable to score any further despite going agonisingly close several times.
Ladies 3
Slazenger ladies 3s welcomed second in the league Dronfield, who made the journey from South Yorkshire for an early morning pushback. Slazengers made a positive start to the game and pushed forward with confidence applying early pressure to the visitors defence. Dronfield didn’t sit back however and made their own attempts on the Slazengers goal which were thwarted by the defence and keeper. The first half drew to a close with Slazengers feeling they were unfortunate not to have taken the lead.
The second half continued in much the same vain with Slazengers creating numerous opportunities, none of which could be converted. The visitors energy levels began to waiver whilst Slazengers kept up the tempo but despite this they could not capitalise and the game ended with a goaless draw and the home side happy to take a much needed point, although they were unlucky not to take all 3 points from this game. The ladies looked good today and displayed some fine hockey, both on the attack and defensively. It was a strong team performance with everyone contributing but it was midfielder Lucy Howarth once again taking player of the match honours.
Mens 1
The men’s first team travelled to Halifax on Saturday. As the squad climbed the 100 steps up the hill to the pitch, the grey freezing fog descended, a sign of things to come? Halifax are familiar rival to Slazenger; their direct long ball hockey whilst old fashioned can be effective, and after 15 minutes the first team were 3 goals down. Towards the end of the first half the momentum swung well and truly into the Slazenger court with goals from Tuddingham and Swindon, the fight was on! By early into the second half a nifty deflection from Stacey levelled the game at 4 a-piece only for the goal to be disallowed, Slazenger took this on the chin, no strangers themselves to the home advantage. The men’s firsts held the pressure and came close a couple more times, but when Tuddingham was sent off for questioning the umpires decision the Slazenger fight back was subdued. The final result was Slazenger 3 Halifax 6.
Mens 2
The mens 2nds hosted league high flyers Halifax 2nds on Saturday for a tough encounter, ultimately taking a point from a surprised visiting team. It was an open game with plenty of attacking from both sides in the opening half. However, it was Slaz who took the early lead through a Harry Gunning cross which Asad Baig crashed into the back of the net. Halifax pressed, but it was Slaz who scored the second, Baig again slotting home to put the team 2 ahead.
Halifax came back into the game, scoring 2 in quick succession. This shocked Slaz back into action, scoring a 3rd from Ben Jackson neatly rounding the keeper. In the end however, slaz had to settle for only taking a point off of the visitors when Halifax grabbed a late equaliser.
Mens 2 (Cup Semi-final)
Fresh from their hard fought draw the day before, Slaz anticipated a tough semi final against a team unbeaten in their league. However, it turned out to be a fruitful day for the hosts, who came out 9-0 victors. Slaz continued to play their fast flowing hockey, which Brigg 2nds had no response to. Amir Khalil dominated midfield and netted 1, along with Ian Hedges (2), Harry Gunning (1), Asad Baig (3), Matt Green (1), Will Buckley (1).
Mens 3 (Cup Semi-final)
Slazengers 3 face Leeds In the semi final of the league cup. Leeds started of strong, and took advantage of an early brake away to put it past the keeper. However, keeper Harry Buttery continued to have an excellent game, keeping out several chances.
Slaz came out after half time with renewed vigour, pressing the Leeds defence. The pressure gave Slaz the opportunity and Brian Johnson scored his first competitive goal in the scramble. However, another defensive lapse resulted in Leeds netting a second with minutes remaining in the game; a goal Slaz didnt have time to come back from.
Mens 4
It was Slazenger 4’s big chance to make an impression on the league table, and what a spectacular mess we made of it.
10 minutes into the first half and things were looking good. We were moving the ball well and making good progress down the right hand wing.
Then Chapeltown scored.
Not to be out done Dan Cass made a quick repose to even the score to 1 -1. Poor decision making, ball control and passing then plagued us to the final whistle. This said Chapeltown did well at reading our game and blocking the passes.
We look forward to a return match this coming weekend at home when I am sure the lads will be looking up their game. Final score, 4-1 to Chapeltown. Man of the Match was Dan Cass, well done.