Mens 1
Mens 1st’s Hosted Ben Rhydding 2nd’s at addingford for their last game of the season. The game started at pace, but both teams enjoyed a good share of the posession. At half time, however it was the hosts who found themselves 3-2 up.
In the second half, the game was less equally balanced, with Slaz having more posession and control of the game. A further 2 more goals from Slazenger closed out the game with time to spare. Goals from James Swinden (2) & Richard Tuddenham (3)
Mens 3
Sheffield came out strong and surprised Slazenger with a quick goal in the first five minutes. However, Slazengers’ heads didn’t go down, which was evident by the great team play which led to two goals for Tim Carr and a further goal for Sam Haigh. Slazengers dominated possession netting a 3-1 lead at half time
After a motivational half time talk by the captain Simon Taylor. Slaz came out strongly and with some great distribution by Andy fisher led to a final goal by a great flick pass the keeper by Matt Banks. The final score was 4-2
Man of the match was Josh Dunstan with some great battling in midfield
Mens 4
Slaz 4th’s hosted local rivals Wakefield 7th’s. With Captain Steve Johnson away, it fell to Brian Johnson (no relation) to captain the side. THe eager side however were quickly behind after a rapid start from Wakefield. Slaz fought their way back into the game, drawing level through Geoff Birket converting a penalty corner.
Both teams fought to take the lead, and the hard work from Slazengers paid off; Slaz broke away, a cross top of area from Michael Plumbley, allowing Owen Bland to slot it away on the reverse stick.
It wasnt over; Wakefield equalised, slipping through a lapse in defence going into the break at 2-2.
The second half was a stale mate with both teams unable to break the deadlock. With time running out on the clock, Captain Johnson’s screaming run down the wing crossed to Haydn Pitchforth to score a late winner.
Ladies 1
Slazenger had already played Rotherham at home earlier in the season and were unlucky not to take all 3 points so were determined to get a result for the return fixture.
Slaz started strongly giving Rotherham a bit of a scare and were unlucky to score on a couple of occasions. Eventually the deadlock was broken by Rotherham with a goal from a penalty corner. Rotherham continued to dominate the game and at the half time interval the score was 3:1
Slaz came out strongly again in the second half but were unlucky to concede a further goal. In the final seconds a quick free hit by Katie Minchella caught the Rotherham defence out and Alex Gilbert scored a consolation goal for Slaz. Full time score was 4:2
No game next week – enjoy your month off for Xmas everyone!!’
Ladies 2
Slazengers worked really hard this week to come away with a draw after travelling to Tadcaster Magnets 1st’s. They kept extremely strong in defence, denying goals from short corners on numerous occasions, midfield kept working to support attacks with Slazengers looking dangerous on the break.
Slazengers found themselves 1-0 down at half time but came out strong, determined to win every ball and were rewarded when Karen Woodhead scored from a short corner with 5 minutes left of the game. The final passage of play saw Slazengers once again keep their composure and strength defending a short corner on the final whistle. Player of the match went to Amy Brereton in midfield.
Ladies 3
Slaz ladies 3s travelled to Lincoln for another tough away fixture against 4th placed Lindum hoping to go one better than the home leg which saw Slaz take a well deserved point from the then league leaders.
The game started with Lindum dominating play and penetrating the Slaz defence early, scoring from a well placed cross within the opening few minutes. A slight change to the Slaz back 4 saw the return of Hannah Chilton who stamped authority and confidence on the left from the outset. The visitors soon got their game heads on and made some impressive plays both down the centre and flanks putting pressure on the home defence hoping to equalise however were unlucky not to capitalise from some decent shots on target. With both attacking and defensive centre mids playing high Lindum made the most of the space through the central channel on the counter attack, linking with their quick right wing and breaking the Slaz defence again. Battle ensued with some great tackles from the back 4 and midfielders which unfortunately couldn’t be cleared and a scrappy second was scored for the home side despite keeper Gemma Wilson getting half a stick to the ball and midfielder Justine narrowly missing the save behind her.
Slaz came out fighting in the second half and dominated play for most of the 35 giving it their all to take something from this game. Finally a short corner was awarded and a goal bound strike by Ritchey from the top of the D was saved by a Lindum foot on the line. Captain Ritchey stepped up for the flick and beat the keeper making it 2-1. With 15 minutes remaining Lindum persisted but were beaten by every Slaz player on the pitch marking tight and applying pressure leaving them without an outlet. The visitors continued to dominate the second half looking for the equaliser they wanted and needed so desperately however this was not forthcoming and the game finished with another undeserved loss for Slaz. Player of the match was Jess Reilly who returned from injury and bossed the midfield.
