Squad: R. Tuddenham
Match Report
Mens 1st's traveled to Thirsk and Malton 1st's for a 4:30pm fixture. Goals were scored by Richard Tuddenham (2)
Squad: A. Baig, D. Buttery (GK), B. Graham (Capt), B. Jackson
Match Report
Slazenger's men's 2nd team entertained Thirsk 2's on Saturday and ran our 5-2 winners thanks to 4 goals from Asad Baig and 1 from captain Ben Graham. Thirsk started brightly and for the 1st 10 minutes were the better side with the Slazenger defence and keeper having to work hard to keep them out. Baig scored his first against the run of play when a fast break and good lifted finish beat the Thirsk back line. Slazenger continued to press and grabbed a 2nd through Baig just before the break.
Slazenger started the 2nd half knowing the 1st goal would be crucial and took their lead to 3-0 when Graham converted a penalty corner. To give Thirsk credit they bounced back with 2 quick goals, both saw deflections deceive Buttery in goal however some excellent right wing play from Ben Jackson with a couple of assists allowed Baig to complete the scoring. Slazenger will look to build on a promising result away at Leeds on Saturday.
Squad: M. Banks, S. Carruthers, C. Gascoigne, S. Haigh, A. Hopkinson, J. Lee, J. Minchella
Match Report
It was a warm Saturday afternoon when most of us managed to turn up on time. It would be reasonable of me to say we were all going into the match with confidence, despite a cold defeat at Huddersfield the week previous, and I'm glad to say that our confidence never dropped during the match despite the hard loss. Everyone had their moments in the game and everyone contributed in some way, whether it be defending until our legs gave up, passing it around the midfield or scoring a screamer with Scott's preferred foot from just outside of the goal line, (a good attempt Maradona would be proud in my opinion). If a Chelsea scout was there, I'm sure he would of been promoted to the first XI and be playing against Crystal Palace in 2 weeks.
After the coin flipped, the match was underway. Slazenger had the upper hand it seemed as we had won the toss, it soon changed when the Chapeltown midfield immediately shut down our midfield and took control of the game. The opposing side seemed to have a plan from the first touch of the ball, to maintain composure in their team and spread the ball around the pitch keeping in shape. Their first goal came early in the game, after a few good saves from Adam, there was not much he was able to do after he had already been the hardest- working player on that pitch so far. Nonetheless, Slaz kept their heads on and looked forward to the rest of the game. The next goals of theirs came soon after. After another good few saves from our keeper, there was not much he could do, wherever the ball seemed to go, the boys in burgundy were their too. Their third goal came down the left of the pitch where they just came around the back of our defence after they were left strangled by their attack. It was after that goal that maybe some of our heads went down, but motivation from our captain (Simon) kept us in the game and kept us within a fighting chance. During the first half, we managed to create some competitive chances to try and get us back in the lead, Maradona and Sam were able to spread the ball around the pitch, occasionally giving us a chance to have a good shot on goal. Unfortunately, we weren't able to produce a goal in the first half despite our best efforts trying.
Unfortunately, Matt Banks arrived late into the game, just after their third came onto the scorecard. This obviously was a bad idea for him to arrive as the first half ended 8-0. Things were looking good for us until he arrived late. Just kidding*. Their next goals came in quick succession, a superb tackle by Jack on the left was called a foul by the worst umpire anyone had ever seen, Harry Buttery. This meant Chapeltown could quickly drive the ball up the pitch for a goal. As said before the first half ended 8-0. A good talk led by our captain obviously had some impact on us. He told everyone to keep their heads up and act as if it was a new game. It was clear that the talk had some effects on the team. Everyone stepped their game up a lot, which led a more positive outlook on the whole of the game. It would of been better if we scored a goal, however this is hockey, not football, isn't it Scott. Our midfield was able to slow down theirs for an excellent amount of time, which allowed the rest of the team to rotate around to the defence and help out.
Good performances in the second half by Scott, Matt, Joe, Sam, Aidan and Chris meant that we had a few aggressive chances in attack created by the mid players. It was clear we had the upper hand sometimes when we saw Chapeltown losing shape and panicking when we had the ball under control. Unfortunately we were still not able create a goal. The defence were suffering from hard times and hard luck. The second half had ended 5-0 to Chapeltown, totalling the 13-0 score. However, the defence showed a lot more potential along with the help of the midfield. Chapeltown's wingers were no longer able to just run past us all the time, because we had another player backing us up, meaning they had to spread the ball around a lot more. However, two goals of theirs came from short corners when they were able to spread it round the top of the D and pass it to a player unmarked in the box. Their last goal came late, scored by their right wing after he was passed the ball, but ended up miss-controlling it which led the defender the wrong way so he was able to get past, with a stroke of genius or a stroke of luck.
In conclusion, I believe that there were a lot of positives to take from that game. It showed we play a team game, and no matter the score we are all able to look forward to the time as a team we have coming up, it shows that we deserve to be on this division because we never acted like we were losing 13-0, instead we acted like each goal never went in and played with confidence. Unfortunately, Jack Lee earned man of the match which is why he had to write this match report. :/
Squad: D. Croxall (Capt), P. Gunning, J. Swallow
Match Report
Slaz 4s look to avenge their heavy loss last week as they traveled to Bradford. Slaz had the early momentum as much of the first ten minutes was played inside the Bradford half and resulting in early chances including a short corner attempt from Josh Swallow. The away side broke the deadlock as a quickly taken free hit from captain Danny Croxall resulted in a great assist from the right for Peter Gunning. The pressure continued to build as further goals from Josh Swallow and a second for Gunning meant Slaz were leading 3-0 at halftime.
In the second half Bradford came out strong as they looked to get a goal. Eventually Bradford scored from a short corner strike to make it 3-1. Slaz responded immediately as a second from Josh Swallow after finishing off a brilliant move started by himself made the score 4-1. The game was put in doubt when Slaz had to wave off some pressure from Bradford at the end but Slaz came out the winners at full time.
Man of the match was Peter Gunning after his two goals and special mentions go to Josh Swallow for great battling to finish with two goals and Danny Croxall for controlling the midfield through his passing game and distribution. Next week Slaz entertain Rotherham 3s at 4.30 and also Wakefield in the cup on Sunday.
Squad: H. Tyers, F. Tyrrell
Match Report
Slazenger’s had a slow and scrappy start to their game against Harrogate. Possession was back and forth but unfortunately Slaz conceded 3 goals.
The second half started much better, with Holly Tyres scoring and lifting Slaz’s spirits further. Another goal from Frankie Tyrrell shortly followed. Slaz were battling hard, 1 goal down but Harrogate scored one last goal in the final few minutes. Final score 4-2 to Harrogate.
Squad: L. Brereton, T. Mellor
Match Report
With a new formation and a young team, Slaz were ready for a high energy game against Harrogate. Immediately attacking hard, Slaz stopped any attempt from the opposition to get into the Slaz half. Efforts were then rewarded by an early goal by Lucy putting Slaz ahead. Harrogate then stepped up their game and responded with a goal from open play which was struck in the D and deflected by the Slaz captain passed keeper Minchella who would have otherwise had the shot covered. Another Harrogate goal just before half time was disallowed but the homeside got another chance before the half time whistle leaving the half time score a respectable 2-1 against the visitors.
In the second half, Slaz again had some good chances which led to an amazing strike by Tuscany hitting the backboard but this was also disallowed due to her foot being just millimetres outside of the D. Despite strong presses by Slaz, they were unable respond to the quick change in play, allowing a strong Harrogate to penetrade the Slaz D and earn numerous penalty corners from forced errors. Harrogate took advantage of the set pieces with powerful strikes from the top of the D. The Slaz defence held strong and managed to keep out a their fair share of PC attempts from Harrogate but 2 found their way into the goal. One of the shorts ended in a scuffle on the goal line which found a Slaz foot for a penalty flick. to the Gate. Michella, who had made some amazing saves throughout the game got a toe to it but could manage to knock it wide of the post, meaning the score was now 5-1.
However, with the opposition tiring, Slaz's young legs proved advantageous with Amy storming through midfield to get the ball into the D, where it found Tuscany who calmly hit the ball passed Harrogate's keeper. Slaz remained strong and put up a good fight but were unable to convert any more goals, finishing with the score at 5-2.
Squad: S. Hobbs
Match Report
Huddersfield Dragons hosted Slazenger's ladies 3s at Lockwood Park. With this being Slazenger's ladies first game of the season and they where hungry for a win.
Slazenger's won the toss and started off strong and dominated from the start; Slazenger's taking the first attempts at scoring, but it wasn't too be with the Huddersfield Dragons keeper making some great saves. Dragons made a break and a hasty attack down the field toward the Slazenger's defence. A one on one situation in the 'D' saw Lizzie Tunstall having to make a slide and save to get the ball. Unfortunately, this resulted in the umpiring giving a penalty flick against Slazenger's. However, Lizzie was ready for this and a save from her stick saw the score say as nil all.
Slazenger's upped their game and passing the ball back down to the attacking end of the pitch, with numerous attempts from Caro Schofield, Natasha Wiper, Lauren Fealy, Josie Hughes on goal and a short corner unfortunately going wide of the goal. Another attack from Dragons, however with good defending from Sarah Hobbs, Esther Hill and Jess Downing this wasn't going to result in any goals for Dragons. The ball was quickly taken back up the pitch by the mid field Emily Entwistle, Justine Birkett and Natasha Wiper. Half time score 0-0.
Second half saw Slazenger's coming out on the attack again, with numerous attempts on goal. A short corner was given and with Sarah Hobbs positioned to take the strike, the goal went in, unfortunately it was disallowed for being too high. This did not stop the determination of the Slazenger's attack. A second short corner given, just as the ball hit the back boards. Short corner taken by Caro Schofield, unfortunately it went wide of the post. Dragons made an attack on the Slazenger's defence with a few shots on goal and two short corners. Slazenger's defended strongly and pasted the ball back up the pitch to be awarded with a short corner. Sarah Hobbs stepped up again and completed with a goal. Dragons made a last minute attack on the Slazenger's mid field and defence, but this wasn't to be, as the whistle was blown for full time. Player went to Emily Entwistle.
Squad: C. Bedford, M. Davis
Match Report
Slazengers ladies 4th team played Leeds Adel 5's at home with a great mix of juniors, experienced and back to hockey players. The game remained 0:0 at half time although Adel scored very shortly after. In response, Slazengers equalised with a goal from Cherry Bedford and was quickly followed by Mia Davis, earning her player of the match. Two games, two wins.
Squad: L. Smith
Match Report
A refreshed and renewed Men’s Development side entertained a Ben Rhydding 7’s side.
Defensive efforts were back to normal, not only shutting the opposition out but defending high up the pitch and generating extended periods of pressure.
Chances went to many, almost everyone putting the effort in to get penetration into the circle, but BR’s adult keeper played out of his (aged) skin to continually deny Slazenger young tigers. Man of the Match was Lucas Smith, returning after a year of serious injuries. Final score 0-0.
