Men’s 1st’s (5) vs. (4) Sheffield Hallam 3rd’s
The Men’s First Team were at home to Sheffield Hallam last week. Now I don’t know if it was a Halloween hangover but it was spooky to see them warming up properly! From the off Slazenger looked impressive, the high energy high-court press curtesy of Jackson, Perry, and even Tuddenham was putting real pressure on the Sheffield defence, and the cracks were beginning to show. It wasn’t long before Perry, Tuddenham, Swindon, and Smith had all found the back of the net. Which would have put Slazenger in a commanding position if individual mistakes from Wiper, Drake, and Loftus at the other end hadn’t cost the Firsts an equal number of goals. Going into the last 2 minutes, and with the score line tied, man of the moment Perry picked up the ball on the halfway line and turned on his Forest Gump. Breaking through the Sheffield defence he un-selfishly laid the ball off to Jackson who fired home the winner with seconds left on the clock. Slazenger 5 Sheffield Hallam 4.
Men’s 2nd’s (3) vs. (2) Lindum 3rd’s
Not to be outdone by the mens 1st’s, the Men’s seconds left it a little late to find a spectacular winner to keep them undefeated and table topping after meeting 3rd place Lindum 3rd’s. Slaz went into the game, missing midfield talisman Amir Khalil, along with injured captain Green, and another couple of squad regulars. With a bare 11, and monsoon conditions it wasn’t looking like the liveliest performance.
Lindum struck first with a scrappy goal which eluded goalie Buttery. However Slaz retaliated quickly, with Asad Baig netting from a rapid strike. As the game progressed, Slaz struggled to capitalise finding the side netting, uprights and anywhere except the goal. However Keith Leonard put the side ahead with a goal which took everyone by surprised including Leonard himself!
The second half wasn’t much better, plenty of back and forth with the home side having the advantage but not being able to convert. Lindum worked their way back into the game and equalised. However, going into the closing minutes, the ball fell to Leonard who shelled it into the top corner to settle the game. Slaz travel to mid table Leeds 6ths next weekend looking to extend their unbeaten run to 8 games.
Men’s 3rd’s (1) vs. (6) Huddersfield 3rd’s
Slazenger’s third team were still looking for their first win of the season and they had an away game against Huddersfield. Slaz started the game slow but then got a goal against the run of play after good work from Simon and a nice finish by Tim Carr. After this Slaz started to play better but then Huddersfield scored 2 in quick succession with tap ins at the back post due to bad marking. Heads were still high at halftime and Slaz thought that they were still in it. Unfortunately it all went downhill from here and Huddersfield scored 4 more. The thirds still worked hard looking for a consolation goal but it didn’t come. The game was lost due to sloppy marking allowing them to score 4 deflections at the back post so the game could have ended differently. Hopefully Slaz can improve and win their next game. MOM Max Godley.
Men’s 4th’s (3) vs. (0) City of York 9th’s
The mens 4th team travelled out to York 9ths for the second game against a York team in as many weeks. This time however, the team came away with the gods. A hat trick from John Sykes and a specatcular turn in goal from James Walker kept the visitors in the driving seat. 3-0 victory for Slaz.
Mens 5th’s (0) vs. (6) Grimsby 2nd’s
Slaz 5’s did their upmost in saturdays game to divert the world’s sporting media away from England’s rugby final performance by putting in another heroic defeat. Things had started promising with a rare venture over halfway into Grimsby terriJohnDory. However clamity soon came to the forefront when Toppers bottle of Lucozade managed to deflect a wide shot into the back of the net. Cod knows how that happened.
The visitors continued to trawl midfield and managed to find the net courtesy of a penalty flick after the ball had been stopped by a defenders eel on the fishing line.
Second half came and Slaz’s hardworking midfield began to run out of Puffer. Haddock we heard this story before! A stingray of hope emerged when Baldy Buttery’s ballet dancing masterclass had the opposition in stitches and Slaz were on the Perch of scoring, but the Grimsby lighthouse keeper extinguished all hope leaving his team having a whale of a time. Shoreleave if the mighty 5’s carry on in this vain they will suck seed in their march toward Davy Jones’s locker.
Men’s 6th’s (2) vs. (0) Ben Rhydding 6th’s
The men’s development team had their best performance of the season this week, resulting in the first win of the season, with a 2-0 victory over Ben Rhydding Men’s 6’s.
The team went into this game expecting a tough test from the better of the Ben Rhydding development teams, having been narrowly defeated earlier in the year by their 7’s, but Slazenger’s rose to the challenge to dominate for most of the game.
Early exchanges gave little away, with much of the play being in the midfield, with Dene Minchella, Luke Minchella, Curtis Jones and Oliver Ford taking the ball forward for Slaz. Aside from a couple of short corners, Ben Rhydding did little to trouble the Slaz defence and the deadlock was broken mid- way through the first half with a good shot from Luke Minchella from just inside the D, which weaved its way through the Ben Rhydding defenders sticks to score in the left corner.
Great defence from the Slaz rear guard of Bobby Brear, Ollie Leonard, Dan Bailey, Lisa Minchella, Andrea Wallace and Richard Coughtrey, coupled with some good saves from keeper Will Parish kept Ben Rhydding scoreless up to halftime.
A second half onslaught from Ben Rhydding was predicted during the half time team talk and Ben Rhydding obliged by putting all of their adults on the pitch for the second half in an attempt to gain the momentum. If anything, Slaz were stronger in the second half than in the first, with Eleanor Randle and Ruby Rodgers going close to scoring on a number of occasions before Luke Minchella put the game to bed with his second goal, seven minutes from time following a well taken short corner.
Overall a great performance from the whole team who are starting to play some really good hockey. Thanks also to Lisa and Andrea for playing their second game of the day in the pouring rain to help out the development team.
Ladies 1st’s (3) vs. (3) Leeds Adel 2nd’s
The ladies 1’s welcomed Adel Ladies 2’s to Slazenger’s on Saturday. After last weeks disappointing result the ladies were determined to maintain their position in the league and keep their unbeaten home run going.
Slaz took charge of the game from the whistle and it seemed that captain Tyrell’s instruction of being 2 up at half time would be met. Leading by example Tyrrell scored what was described as the best goal of her career to impress a certain someone on the terrace – the ball being sent top corner past the Adel keeper from just inside the D. Slaz’s second goal was equally impressive as Paige found the net from the by line.
Sadly Adel managed to pull one back just before the half time whistle and this clearly gave them the boost they needed to drive the second half. After going 3:2 down Slaz dug deep and raised their game back to how they started. frustrating the Adel team somewhat, but still failing to take advantage of the many chances created. With 5 minutes remaining mini minch managed to turn the defence inside out before her shot found the back of the net. Final score 3:3 and the unbeaten home run continues
Thanks to this weeks umpires Danny and Owen for getting absolutely soaked with us. ️ #crackingoals #unbeatenathome
Ladies 1/2nd team cup
The ladies 1/2’s team managed to dry their kit and travel to Doncaster on Sunday for an early start in the first round of the Yorkshire cup.
Slaz were caught napping early on and allowed Doncaster to take the lead, but they hit back immediately with a text book short corner being converted by Wiper. The rest of the first half saw some good hockey from both sides but it was Doncaster who managed to find the back of the net to go into the second half 2:1 up.
The second half was frustrating for Slaz. With a goal disallowed and the Doncaster keeper pulling off some great saves they struggled to get back in the game. A break from Doncaster found the Slaz defence overloaded and ultimately another goal down.
Slaz continued to press the Doncaster defence but failed to increase their goal tally and the final score ended 4:1. #outofthecup
Ladies 2nd’s (0) vs. (3) Leeds Adel 3rd’s
Slazengers Ladies 2’s game against Adel started off with a strong attack from Slaz, having numerous shots on goal but failed to get the ball past the keeper. With short corner after short corner Slaz couldn’t score. Strong attack and defence on both sides meant the end score was a well deserved 0-0 for the first half. With renewed vigour Adel started their strong attack against Slazenger’s defence.
Slaz’s keeper, Tracy, managed to save goal after goal however the opposition was quick at passing and running the ball around slaz. Scoring their first goal. Next they scored their second and third goal despite hard work from Slaz’s defence. The end score was 3-0 to Adel, despite it being a very equally matched game. Player of the match went to Alex Stead, we think!
Ladies 3rd’s (2) vs. (0) Leeds Adel 4th’s
Slaz ladies were hungry for another win after last week.
Gaining the 1st push back Slazengers started off strong and showed Adel what they were made of. Passing the ball quickly through the midfield Lauren Fealey, Justine Birkett and Linda Stacey and up to the attacking D, onto Caro Schofields stick for the 1st attempt on goal only for Adel defence to save and move the ball down towards Slazengers defence. Slazengers defence Helen Ramshaw, Jess Lloyd, Emma Eley and Emily Chason sent the ball back to the Adel defence, where Slazengers held onto the ball and attacked with all there might. Only to be thwarted by Adels defence again. Adel attacked hard and had some shots on goal, for these to be saved by keeper Lizzie Tunstall. Slazengers defence and midfield moved the ball back up the pitch to Natalie Beech, who put in a super cross to Caitlin McGrath who attempted a shot on goal. Adel defence sent the ball back down the pitch only for midfield to pass to Caro and Caro moved the ball around Adel defence and connected the the back boards.
Half time score Slazengers 1-0 Leeds Adel
Adel started off hard in the 2nd half, however Slazengers made sure to keep up there fighting sprit. Caro picked up the ball and pasted the Adel defence to score her 2nd goal. Adel came back hard, but where thwarted by Slazengers mid field and keeper.
Final score Slazengers 2-0 Leeds Adel
Ladies 4th’s (9) vs. (2) Leeds University 8ths
The Ladies 4th Team faced Leeds University 8th Team this Saturday away at Weetwood and returned with a much needed and well deserved win.
Ingrid Coughtry set the tone early on with 2 impressive short corners – both effortlessly hammered home. Her 3rd goal came shortly after with a superb dribble down the middle of the pitch and a great shot from he top of the D. The Slazenger team left the pitch at half time 3-0 up but with the knowledge that they could increase their goal advantage further.
The second half saw Slazenger’s continue to take full advantage, moving the ball down the pitch with Beth Asquith in a pivotal role feeding Josie Hughes, Lyn Wood and Di Jones up front. Josie Hughes, determined to get one in, struggled to find the target but once she found it – managed a further goal to her delight. Di Jones found herself in the right place at the right time and slipped one past the keeper. Leeds Uni did fight back with 2 goals in the second half which only spurred Ingrid Coughtry on again who managed another 3 goals. A 9-2 victory for the Slazenger ladies. Beth Asquith voted player.
Under 10 Boys
Slazenger U10 boys had their second tournament of the season at Weetwood on Sunday.
The team started well against Harrogate but got nearly caught on the break. Harrogate put the pressure on but some great saves from keeper Frances Richardson and excellent defence from Jack Sanderson and Rhuben Foster kept the ball out. Unfortunately, Harrogate found a way through with just 5 minutes left to play. Slazenger did not give up, and a great clearance/pass from Jack send Seth Hoole off from halfway to level the score to 1-1.
Ben Rhydding 3 were fast out of the blocks but great defence from Aleks Thompson prevented an early goal. Ben Rhydding however were able to open the score minutes later. Again, the Slazenger team played some excellent hockey and Seth was able to equalise. Ben Rhydding made a late break to score the winner right in the final whistle.
Slazenger and Ben Rhydding 2 were evenly matched teams, with some excellent play from Owen Coughtrey and Owen Wiper in the midfield. Slazenger got a long corner but didn’t manage to score. Ben Rhydding started to press the Slazenger defence and managed to score the opening goal. A mistake in the Slazenger defence gave Ben Rhydding a quick second goal.
The last game was against Leeds Adel. It was end to end stuff, but great keeping from Frances kept Leeds Adel out. Slazenger was very unlucky to go down 1-0 after more football skills than hockey skills lead up to the goal. Leeds Adel were also to score next with a shot from the top of the D. Slazenger showed some great determination and kept playing some great hockey. Soon Owen Coughtrey made a run on the right, finished by an excellent cross into the D which was perfectly finished by Declan Buxton. Slazenger were back in the game, and hungry for more. Only minutes later a replay of the first goal, after yet another run from Owen C this time player of the tournament Seth Hoole was at the end of the cross into the D, to score his third goal of the day. Slazenger had worked hard and deserved the draw, and will stay up in Division 2 for the December tournament.
Under 14 Boys
The u14 Boys (with the assistance of some girls) had a great second tournament. Continuing to find their place in the divisions they came across a very strong Wakefield and Kingston upon Hull. The final game saw a close game against Airedale where the team played well together and really started to gel.
Under 16 Girls
Slazengers V Airedale 1-0
The second tournament of the season and the girls were raring to go, dominating with early possession and creating chances in the oppositions D, the girls passed the ball around with ease. It was not long until Hannah Tindall-Wilson put the ball in the bag of the net to give Slazengers the lead. Airedale stepped up their game, however with some excellent defensive team work between Ashleigh Jones, Frejas Wilson and Maisie Royston Slazengers kept a clean sheet for the first match leaving it 1 -0 at full time.
Slazengers V Harroagate 3-0
Good ball speed and determination, Slazengers were ready for battle, the team moved as a unit putting all training into practice. Hannah scored the first goal, the assistance Ruby and Jess. The girls gained confidence as the ball was distributed nicely around the field and it wasn’t long until Mia Davis scored the second goal. Slazenger dominated the game throughout not allowing Harrogate a shot on goal. Cherry Bedfords worked tirelessly in midfield with Maisie Davis and Caitlin to ensure the defence were not put under pressure. Timing was everything and in the last couple of minutes of the game Mia Davis made it 3-0
Slazengers V Doncaster 1-2
Slazengers came flying out of the blocks to try and make it a hat trick for the day. Doncaster were not going to let go without a fight. Slazengers were confident in possession and passed the ball around swiftly. With some lovely one-two play from Maisie and Mia Davis, Slazengers managed to drive forward and drive the ball into their attacking D. A lovely strike from worked Jess found the back of the goal to give Slazengers the lead. Credit to Doncaster they came straight back and with the teams evenly matched it was a battle of the wills, however a Doncaster equalised and continued to press Slazengers. Maisie Royston making some excellent saves, denying Doncaster a second goal for a short while, however a lucky strike from Doncaster gave them the lead. The two teams played well however with the last blow of the whilst it was a short corner for Slazengers and their last chance to equalise. Despite their best efforts Slazengers could not find the back of the goal. Leaving the score 2-1 to Doncaster, a strong performance from Slazengers, showing their improvement and strength.
