Match Report
Big ask of the ones last weekend against an in form top of the league Bradford.
Despite some good hockey from Slazenger, Bradford were in charge for most of the game and wrapped things up with a 6 goal margin.
Squad: D. Buttery (GK), B. Graham, M. Green (Capt), D. Greig, I. Hedges, K. Leonard, J. Minchella, A. Stacey, J. Taylor
Match Report
Men's 2nd's travelled to icy York for the away leg of the league match-up. York had been easily beaten in the early stage of the league, but had since gone on to a strong 4th place in the league. Missing 5 regular players, the team expected a tough encounter. York went ahead with a scrappy goal, and while slaz fought back, at half time they were 1-0 down.
The second half was a better showing from the 2nds. Alex Stacey equalised, and was followed by a Damo Greig strike from the edge of the circle. However, or wasn't all plain sailing; York equalised to make it 2-2.
Slaz struggled to break a 2-2 deadlock. It was an Ian Hedges reverse stick strike which beat the goalkeeper at the near post to put the visitors ahead. With the team on a roll, a strong press from Lucas Smith earned the ball back inside Yorks half, setting up Stacey to net his second with seconds left in the game.
Slazenger 2nds face 3rd place Sheffield hallam at the weekend, with a win all but guaranteeing promotion with 6 games left to play.
Squad: G. Bentley, T. Carr
Match Report
Slazenger's third team were looking to pick up their second win in a row after a 3-1 win last week. They had an away game at Tadcaster and thought they were able to take some points after drawing 1-1 earlier in the season. Slazenger's totally dominated the midfield in the first half through Godley, Fish and Perry then deservedly took the lead through George at the back post due to great build up play from the team. However a lapse of concentration on the brink of halftime left the score 1-1 and Slaz were wondering how they were drawing. They went into the second half positive but then it went downhill from there. Tadcaster scored 4 in quick succession due to sloppy marking and low work rate tracking back. However towards the end of the game Tim scored 2 late on and Scott hit the post with an amazing attempt but it just wasn't enough. The game ended 5-3 and Slaz hope to improve on it next week ,against top of the league with 100+ goals (you never know). Serious discussions were made among the team wondering whether the copious amounts of bags of crisps and pork scratchings were a great investment. MOM Godley
Squad: P. Gunning, J. Sykes
Match Report
No report available.
Squad: D. Croxall
Match Report
No report available.
Match Report
No report available.
Squad: S. Drake, N. Swinden
Match Report
Ladies 2's had an early start on Saturday against Airedale away. It was a difficult game and a change in formation was required due to player availability. That said, the team worked hard together and with goals from Stacey Drake and Nicci Swinden, the final score was 2-2. Player of match went to Naomi Frith for excellent defending.
Squad: L. Fealy, C. Schofield
Match Report
Slazenger 3rds knew they were in for a tough game taking on second in the table Batley 1s. The game started out very evenly, both teams having chances to score but neither being able to capitalise, until a pacey break from Batley saw them hit the backboard.
Slazengers did not give up and quick on the attack Caro & Ellie attacked their D hard but were unable to find the goal. Batley countered quickly and pressured Slazengers defence winning them a short corner which they confidently slotted in.
Batley continued their attack winning them a further two short corners, good defence from Sarah & Jess and an aerial goal line stop from Emma, only held them up temporarily as a moment of deja vu for Slazengers saw Batley net another goal from a short corner.
Slazengers stayed positive and some great link ups between Justine & Caitlin worked the ball up the right side, a strong cross from Caitlin found Lauren, who shot at goal and after a taking a slight deflection from a defender crossed the line, right on the whistle of half time. The score 3-1 to Batley, did not reflect the first half, Slazengers unfortunate not to have netted at least another goal.
However Batley came out after half time fighting and two quick goals followed, Slazengers dug deep and some good defending from Emily and a super aerial goal line stop from Sarah held off their attack. A cracking sideline ball from Justine found Caro just outside their 23, Caro beating the defender and then the goalie to score.
But Batley attacked with vigour and despite some good saves from keeper Lizzie, they increased their total again. Slazengers did not give up and attacked down both sides, eventually rewarded with a short corner, Caro did not disappoint, confidently finding the backboard again. A hard fought battle with some tough defending but also some fantastic chances, final score line 7-3. Player of the match awarded to Caitlin for her fantastic runs & crosses!
Squad: J. Morris
Match Report
Slazenger Ladies 4th team played Cleckheaton 1st team away this weekend. The game started well for Slazenger’s, within minutes, Jess Morris found the net with a superb sweep from the left but unfortunately their lead didn’t last.
Fielding a mature and experienced team, Cleckheaton soon retaliated and Slazenger’s struggled to turn the game around. Cleckheaton’s second, but controversial goal, came soon after. Maisie Royston, in goal didn’t make it easy for Cleckheaton to increase the goal difference but they were relentless in their attack and Slazenger’s left the pitch at half time 3-1 down.
The second half saw Slazenger’s attempt to pull it back with Di Jones, Jules Measures and Lyn Field working hard up front and Josie Hughes did manage to slip one past the opposition keeper but the goal was disallowed. Slazenger’s lost 5-1. Player - Maisie Royston.
Squad: H. Ashford, D. Bailey, J. Bennett, B. Brear, O. Coughtrey, R. Coughtrey (Capt), O. Ford, O. Leonard, D. Minchella, L. Minchella, L. Minchella, E. Randle
Match Report
This week the development team travelled to Ben Rhydding and the journey seemed to have affected the team, who were, apparently, still in the car for the opening exchanges of the game, conceding two goals within the first ten minutes. The first came from an uncontested shot from the edge of the D, whilst the second goal was somewhat controversial, with the ball hitting at least two Ben Rhydding feet on its way to the goal.
Following some stern words from Dene Minchella, the team finally came to life and gradually fought their way back into the game, with Lisa Minchella coming off the bench to stiffen the defence. Luke Minchella took charge of the attack, ably assisted by Eleanor Randle and player of the match Harry Ashford who went close to scoring on a couple of occasions and chased every ball throughout the game. Luke Minchella had a goal disallowed, but stuck to the task to pull a goal back seconds later just before the half time whistle.
The second half was an even contest and played end to end, with both teams having sustained periods of pressure, but both defences held firm. Ollie Ford and Owen Coughtrey went close to scoring the equaliser, whilst Ollie Leonard, Dan Bailey, Bobby Brear and Josh Bennett showed strong defence to keep the Ben Rhydding attack at bay. Slaz could not find the elusive goal however and went down to another 2-1 defeat, which is fast becoming a familiar score line for the development team this season.
