Mens 2nd’s (2) vs. (3) Driffield 2nd’s
Slazengers mens 2nd team are getting dragged deeper and deeper into a relegation battle after slipping to a disappointing 3-2 defeat at home to Driffield on Saturday. Driffield started well and took the lead midway through the first half, a lead they held until the break. Slazengers drew level after the break when Asad Baig fired home from the top of the circle only for Driffield to take the lead again almost immediately. Driffield scored their 3’rd midway through the half but Ian Hedges pulled one back for Slazengers with 10 minutes left. Despite Slazengers pressing for an equalizer, Driffield held on for the win. Slazengers find themselves in the relegation positions in 11th place but with only 3 points separating them and 4th placed Ben Rhydding, there is still plenty to play for.
Mens 3rd’s (2) vs. (2) Leeds 6th’s
Grimsby came out strong and surprised Slazenger with a quick goal in the first 20 minutes.but Slazengers heads did not go down this was evident by the great team play which led to two goals for Tim Carr and a further goal for Sam Haigh Slazengers kept adding pressure for the rest half time and ending 2-1
In the second half Slazengers came out strong with some good team pressure and good passing from Andy fisher and Matt banks to give Slazengers lots of opportunitys, finally Slazengers broke the Grimsby defence and scored to level the game 2-2
Man of the match was josh Dunstan with some great battling in midfield and a great assist.
Mens 5ths (1) vs. (1) Chesterfield Development
Slaz started brightly, passing the ball well, resulting in Alex Stacey scoring a well taken goal. The first half continued with Slaz playing a good passing game but, as last week, not taking chances. Early in the second half the Chesterfield striker (who had worked hard all game) finally carved a way through the Slaz defence to get an equaliser. Despite having the bulk of possession and pressing hard Slaz were unable to penetrate the Chesterfield defence so had to be happy with just one point. Man of the Match was Fraser Cass.
Ladies 2nds (1) vs. (3) City of York 4th’s
Report: Slazenger 2nds travelled to York for a 4:30 push back. Despite the late start and dark conditions they were upbeat and ready for the challenge. Within the first 10 minutes they took the lead. Captain Naomi Frith intercepted the ball deep in defence and drove forward into the opposition’s half. A quick pass to Claire Dunstan was swiftly redirected to Tuscany Mellor who beat the goal keeper to score. York then picked up the pace and scored twice before half time. The second half was pretty even with Slazengers working hard in all areas. Several short corners were won but not converted. York attacked again winning a short corner which was saved by Tracey Lorriman, but the attacker followed up and netted the rebound.
Player of the match was Lucy Howarth in midfield.
Ladies 3rds (3) vs. (2) Grasshoppers 1st’s
Slazenger ladies 3s played hosts to mid table Grasshoppers from Sheffield for the early morning home fixture. After suffering disappointing and undeserved narrow losses and draws in recent fixtures which did not reflect the team performance, Slaz were hoping today would be the day for victory. The first half started with early pressure from the visitors, resulting in 4 short corners in quick succession. Each was defended staunchly, however on the 4th attempt the pressure eventually became too much when the visitors took their chances with the rebounds and managed to lift the ball to find a gap between the right post and defender Ritchey’s stick to put them a goal up. Chances at the other end following impressive manoeuvres up the pitch were unfulfilled leaving the home side a goal down at half time.
The second half brought an energised Slaz team back on the pitch. Great passing and confidence was rewarded when forward Lou Beever managed to force the ball over the Grasshoppers line on her reverse after a goalmouth scramble that Grasshoppers failed to clear. Slazengers’ confidence continued to grow with newcomer and player of the match Aleks Korab-Karpinska showing promise up front and unlucky not to put Slaz further ahead. Despite Grasshoppers taking the lead again after another penalty corner Slaz continued to pile on the pressure. Slick passing and great teamwork rewarded Slaz with a short corner which rebounded to Jess Reilly who returned it towards the goal for newcomer Aleks to get a reverse touch to swipe the ball into the back of the goal, sealing her excellent debut.
The moment was now firmly with an elated Slaz and they attacked relentlessly with well worked passes moving the ball seamlessly throughout the pitch, creating numerous chances for forward Jess Downing in acres of space to sweep the ball towards the goal, however no one was able to connect to make it count, not even the pace of newbie Aleks who had at one point ran from the left wing to the right post.
Eventually Slaz’s hard work and determination paid off and they were awarded the victory they had been cheated out of so many times previously when quick and accurate passing down the right resulted with forward Justine Birkett getting a slight touch on her reverse in the penalty area, despite the visitors protesting that no one had got a touch on it as it passed through the D. Finally 3 points for ladies 3s with a 3-2 victory and an excellent effort from all.
Ladies 4ths (9) vs. (0) Leeds University 8ths
The ladies 4th team arrived at Weetwood for their 3pm away game vs Leeds University 8 to find a half hour delay to being able to get on the pitch. With a quick turnaround, there was hardly time to put any practice in and we were called to start.
The first ten minutes proved an even game with both sides playing hard to get the first goal and with Slazengers goalkeeper -Lizzie Tunstall- dropping to the floor for a superb save. However, the teams recent training with coach Linda Stacey started to pay off and once Maisie Fallas – who usually plays in defence but volunteered to move to midfield – found the net scoring the first goal, Slazengers went from strength to strength.
Lucy Brereton soon scored the first of her five goals, shortly followed by Emily Hunter.
Slazengers dominated the game in the second half with Diane Jones scoring an impressive goal from one of many short corners. Julie Bailey also found the net and a further four goals by Lucy Brereton resulted in a 9-0 win for Slazengers.
