Weekly Update
An update of this weeks fixtures and last weeks results
Last Week’s Results
This week, the Men’s 5th’s take the “team of the week” title ahead of all others. After losing 11-1 in their last encounter with Thirsk and Malton earlier in the season, this week they pulled out a fantastic 1-1 result. Great work guys! Notable mentions also go to Men’s and Ladies 1st’s for their impressive 7-0 victories at the weekend.
Another 30 goals were put away at the weekend, stirring up top goalscorer once again. Some familiar names at the top, but there’s still time for any of our 60 goalscorers to get onto this month’s leader board!
Novembers Top Goalscorers
- 5 Goals – Aleks Kapinska, Caro Schofield
- 4 Goals – Holly Tyres, Ben Jackson, Richard Tuddenham,
- 3 Goals – Jimmy Swinden, Mark Hammond, Danny Perry, Ben Graham,
Last Week’s Match Reports
Mens 1st’s (7) vs. (0) Ben Rhydding 2nd’s
Slazenger Men’s Firsts were away at Ben Ridding last week and were missing the defensive prowess of Wiper dropped to the seconds for insubordination.
Despite only being given 5 minutes of pitch time to warm up Slazenger came out strong against the North Leeds team and It was clear early on that the game was going to be one sided. By half time the Firsts were a head by five with goals from Swindon (2), Perry, Tuddenham (2), Gunning and Fisher, and they were talking about maintaining the clean sheet.
With Birkett off injured the second half was a more sedate affair, however Gascoigne found a chance to open his score card for the Firsts in style. The final result was 7 – 0.
Mens 2nd’s (5) vs. (1) Ben Rhydding 3rd’s
The Mens 2nd’s hosted fellow mid table rivals Ben Rhydding 3rd’s in a game where the home side came out decisive winners. Fresh from last weeks victory over Barnsley, the team started quicker, and pressed the advantage early; Ben Jackson catching the defence and keeper half asleep; and finding the net with ease. The home team continued to enjoy a greater deal of the possession, and took advantage of it, maintaining pressure on the Rhydding’s defence. The pressure began to pay off, when a goal mouth scramble and confusion allowed Hedges in to slot away his first from a tight angle.
As the game continued, it was Jackson again who capitalised, with a lightening quick attack finding the back of the next again for his second. The home side went into the break ahead and growing in confidence. Slaz looked set to wrap up a comprehensive victory, but Ben Rhydding forced themselves back into the game; a strong run from the Rhydding forward, and a defensive error allowed them to score.
With this momentary lapse out of the way, Slaz settled and enjoyed more of the possession, and it wasn’t long before Mark Hammond added to his growing tally. Minutes later Hedges put the result beyond doubt with a reverse stick thunderbolt; pinging off the cross-bar and into the back of the net much to everyones surprise.
The 2nd’s travel to York next week looking to keep their run of form in tact.
Mens 3rd’s (1) vs. (1) Lindum 4th’s
Arrrr ‘Twas a cold autumnal afternoon as the Slazenger crew set sail to Lincoln. The men saddened as the landlubber Banks wasn’t able to take to the high seas this week.
Buoyed by sinking the fleet of Leeds and Doncaster in previous weeks, the Buccaneers of Slazenger launched the first assaults with Scott Carruthers and Sam Haigh firing the cannons forward from midfield. As the half went on, the Lindum Crew found ways to attack the Slazenger defence; Harry Buttery was called upon at the poop deck to ensure that Slazenger battened down the hatches so the sides were tied at the half.
“Avest ye” were the inspiring words from Captain Taylor as the air cooled and the light faded on this tight battle. So the second half began as tight as the first with Slazenger happy to hold the ferocious Lindum crew in their own waters. Josh Swallow and the old seadog Andy Fisher skilfully ensuring the Slazenger ship didn’t run a-ground.
But then, tragedy after 55 minutes of battle, Lindum launched a cannon from a short corner which splintered the hull of the Slazenger backboard. The Buccaneers of Slazenger were roused by this travesty and all hands ahoy as the marauding men from Addingford let their cutlasses loose for all to see. The ensuing onslaught was one Captain Taylor must be proud of as Jack Kitchen (who was a stowaway in this sailing) acted as cockswain in midfield driving Slazenger forwards.
Both sides were tired from battle, the Lindum pirates were playing for time hoping the umpires would send the men from Horbury down to Davy Jones Locker. The Umpires looked and signalled two minutes left; allowing time for one last attack from Slazenger, Kitchen led the advances but was felled in the D. “Penalty!” cried the crowd of seven, “Aye”, called the umpire!!
Tim Carr was forced to walk the plank as the clock counted down. The cannons stopped, the captains could say no more, the tension was gathering like a storm, surely he couldn’t do it? “He’s got a dodgy cannon” some scallywag sounded. Then BOOM!, shiver me timbers the Lindum ship has been breached and the Buccaneers of the green seas were level.
As the battle drew to a draw the men from Addingford went close to landing a deadly blow, however it wasn’t to be. The ships parted but battle scarred. A long sail home across the plains of Lincolnshire awaited but Slazenger realised even when the Legend Banks is land-locked, the old guard of Taylor, Carr and Fisher can hoist the Jolly Roger high, arrrrrr!!
Mens 4th’s (2) vs. (4) Sheffield Uni Bankers 7th’s
Slaz looked to avenge last weeks terrible result at Worksop as they entertained Sheffield University Bankers. Slaz started much better as they were keeping the ball well in the first half and creating chances without conceding but so were Bankers. It looked to be 0-0 at half time until a late goal put the away side in front.
Slaz came out from half time in a positive manner and managed to grab one back after a goalmouth scramble through Davy Ramsdale. As Slaz continued to press Bankers eventually scored 3 goals as Slaz lacked numbers in defence and led 4-1. The home side managed to get one back through Chris Flavell for his first goal at Slaz.
Even though the result wasn’t ideal it was a much better performance than last week and a lot of things to improve on. Man of the Match went to Chris Flavell for a good all round performance and a first goal.
Mens 5th’s (1) vs. (1) Thirsk & Malton 4th’s
Slazenger returned to the scene of their heaviest ever defeat with gritted teeth and revenge in mind. Slaz started brightly showing promise in the Thirsk half but, when Thirsk broke and took the lead, you could see the men in yellow thinking “here we go again”. But then something astonishing happened. The Green Army showed a determination hitherto unseen from this group of youngsters, not just defensively but attacking like tigers and working hard all over the pitch.
Slaz eventually got a deserved equaliser from Alex Stacey to go to the break at 1-1. The second half was a very even contest and you could see the shock in the Thirsk player’s eyes as it Slazenger looked more and more likely to get a winner. It wasn’t to be and a draw was probably a fair result. Special mention this week goes to three unsung heroes – Lewis Killey for developing into a great utility player, Fraser Cass who defends like a man twice his size and Aidan Coughtree for solid keeping that kept us in the game.
Man of the Match went to Alex Stacey, who gave everything in midfield, sprinting again and again to cover his team-mates, he gave everything this week.
Final score Thirsk & Malton 1 –1 Slazenger 5’s.
Ladies 1st’s (7) vs. (0) Airedale 1
Slaz ladies 1’s played host to Airedale on Saturday with 4 real aims in mind:
- Continue the winning streak
- Keep clean sheet no 2 of the season
- Make the small goal difference a convincing one, and more importantly
- Make a strong call for the lost title of “team of the week”
After the respectful 11/11 minutes silence – well observed by officials, teams and the gathering crowd Slaz switched on their positive mental attitude. With the sun in their eyes and fire in their bellies, they quickly made their aims quite clear to the visitors. Within minutes Tyres (hoping to confirm what should have already been her rightful place in the golden stick table after last weeks hattrick) made her first attack on goal with a stunning shot tipped wide by the keeper. Undeterred, the pressure was maintained and it wasn’t long before the first in a series of short corners was smashed into the backboard by Bubbles Bates.
A second goal came shortly after, when after wrong footing the keeper Gilbert the elder slotted one home. Straight from her late call up into goal saving penalty flicks for the 2’s, Mini minch was chomping at the bit to get the ball into the back of the oppositions net. She wasted no time at all and having seen the footage and the promise of a pint courtesy of Mark Swinden, made a move which saw a reverse shot fool the keeper and head for the bottom corner.
With the score at 3:0 Slaz appeared to take their foot off the gas. The mid field of Gunn, Field and the younger Gilbert were tested but to no avail. It wasn’t long before the game was taken back to the Airedale D and Mini Minch showed Mr Hedges that those that train hard can reap the rewards, with a remarkable shot again finding the back of the net.
Maintaining their structure and Field showing wonderful composure, Slaz allowed Airedale to make a number of unforced errors – leading to move of the season when Fodder was sent leaping from the touchline onto the terrace as the ball was sent flying towards the home dug out, returning possession to Slaz. Paige and Tyrrell worked tirelessly to create chances and although the goals didn’t come directly, the hard work forced further short corners which saw Field get her name on the score sheet – well deserved after her first half performance, and Bubbles again finding the back of the net. In unfamiliar territory with the half time score 6:0, Slaz knew that they should expect the unexpected, however it never really arose and Keeper Wilson saw little action.
It was soon apparent that this really was going to be a game of 2 halves, with both posts and the cross bar taking a battering with shots from Field and Tyres. The whole team pressed high and set up camp in Airdale’s half. Wallace, reflecting back to times of “jumpers for goal posts” took the ball through the defence but the keeper was there, preventing the fairytale ending she craved. The younger Gilbert, returning in the second half after a first half injury set the front line up with a number of chances but the Airedale Keeper stayed strong.
Tyres, knowing it’s never over till the fat lady sings, continued to make chances and with the cacophony of the growing crowd spurring her on, in the dying minutes her saved shot from the keeper found its way straight back to her stick and with the second bite of the cherry the game was put to bed.
Final score 7:0, the winning streak continues, clean sheet number 2, convincing goal difference for the league table and ??? contenders for team of the week??? – we will wait with bated breath to see. Either way, 4 wins in 4 = a very very happy squad.
Thanks this week to umpires Woody and Dodge, We all need to play to the whistle and without them there would be no whistle to play to. (apologies to previous weeks umpires for the lack of mention – no reflection on you, just me forgetting to add you in to the report. Please umpire again and the mention will be there!!). Next week sees the Ladies travel to North Yorkshire to take on 2nd in the table Selby.
Ladies 2nd’s (1) vs. (5) Wakefield Wanderers 1st’s
Derby day in Wakefield as Slaz 2s travelled the short distance through town to face friendly rivals Wanderers. Feeling positive from the previous week’s performance Slaz were hopeful that they could add to their first point of the season. Slaz once again started off strong and looked like they were in contention with some good passages of play culminating in some exciting attacks from the youngsters, including a vicious strike from the younger Brereton sending the keeper full stretch to pull of an impressive save.
The Slaz midfield worked hard and continued to display some decent hockey. There were plenty of turnovers and counter attacks from both teams but it was the experienced Wanderers who capitalised by distributing the ball well, utilising space and pace on the wings and moving off the ball to penetrate the Slaz D resulting the visitors being 3 nil down at half time, despite some strong defending and excellent saves from mini minch, who had stepped up last minute to play in goal for the 2s.
Slaz reset and started the second half in good spirits confident that they would find the net, but again it was Wanderers who scored first giving the visitors a bigger hill to climb. The rest of the half continued in much the same vain with both sides battling, but Slaz kept their heads despite being behind and were rewarded half way through the second half when a hit across the D found Naomi Frith returning for her first game of the season, who tapped it passed the keeper to put Slaz on the score sheet. Despite every effort from the Slaz side they could not convert a number of chances and with Wanderers netting another 2 the gap was just too big. The home side continued to pressure the Slaz D and were awarded a flick minutes before time after a lifted shot came down at speed on such an angle that it was impossible for defender Jess Lloyd to get out of the way of. Player of the match Katie Minchella stood her ground and denied the home side a further goal with another great save leaving the final score 5-1 to Wanderers.
Ladies 3rd’s (6) vs. (1) Leeds Adel 5th’s
Slazenger’s were up against mid table Leeds Adel 5’s at home. With a 5-0 win behind them, Slazenger’s were hoping to add another 3 points to their current score.
Adel attacked from the off and continued to put pressure on the Slazenger’s defence for the most of the 1st half. Leeds Adel where denied any chance of scoring with good defending and keeping from Sarah Hobbs, Maisie Fallas, Jess Downy, Esther Hill and Lizzie Tunstall. As the 1st half got into full swing Slazenger’s found their feet and began to create chances for the team to score and take the lead. With great passing through the midfield; from Lauren Fealey, Natasha Wiper, Emma Eley and Diane Jones. Saw the ball quickly moving up the pitch to Aleks Karpinska, Caro Schofield and Josie Hughes.
Just before the half time whistle Slazenger’s hard work paid off, with Caro Schofield taking a shot on goal and making the half time score Slazenger’s 1-0 Leeds Adel. As the half time whistle went Slazenger’s and Leeds Adel moved to the centre of the pitch to mark a 2 minutes silence of ‘Remembrance Day’.
Slazenger’s where quick off the mark in the 2nd half and continued with their attacking form. A 2nd goal from Caro Schofield along with 2 from Aleks Karpinska and 1 from Diane Jones saw Slazenger’s extend their lead. With five minutes to go Leeds Adel found the back of the net from a short corner, but with a 3rd goal from Caro Schofield Slazenger’s lead grew wider.
The game finished Slazenger’s Ladies 6-1 Leeds Adel.
Ladies 4th’s (0) vs. (1) Chapeltown 3rd’s
The ladies 4th Team faced Chapeltown 3 away in what turned out to be a tense fight to the end. Slazengers started strongly with a shot on goal, nudged in by Linda Stacey, being disallowed but signaled the start of a strong attack from the forwards. Chapeltown returned with an equally strong defence and their excellent keeper managed to save each shot on goal to the frustration of the Slazenger Team.
Despite Slazengers having much of the ball play, 20 minutes in and Chapeltown broke free with Slazengers needing to pull back and defend. Sarah Allen slowed the attack but Chapeltown rushed forward and despite Slazengers best efforts, managed to score.
The Slazenger ladies left the pitch at half time 1:0 down.
The second half again saw Slazengers with much of the play. Sue Hope held the midfield and allowed forwards Cherry Bedford, Mia Davis and Maisie Davis to try and find the equaliser. The ladies passed, shot and followed each ball but again were thwarted by the Chapeltown keeper. Maisie Davis did eventually beat the keeper but again the goal was disallowed. Even with a series of short corners, the Slazenger Team still couldn’t get it in the goal and frustratingly Slazengers lost 1:0. Player, Sue Hope.
