Ladies 3/4’s Cup side (3) vs Ashfield Aztecs 2 (0)
Slazengers ladies 3/4’s were apprehensive before Saturdays cup game. The Nottingham based team, Aztecs, were undefeated so far this season, so this promised to be a challenging game.
It was an absolute nail-biter of a match with end to end play. The Slaz team who had not previously played together, gelled perfectly, and it was a true display of teamwork on the hockey field. Maisie was on fire, showcasing her skill and scoring two incredible goals, while Gemma S added to the excitement with her own goal.
The game was filled with intense competition and thrilling moments. One of the highlights was when Lisa made a powerful pass from the defending D, perfectly setting up Maisie who went one on one with the keeper, Maisie kept her head skilfully taking the ball around the keeper and netting the goal.
Slazenger are thrilled to be through to the next round of the cup, and will be sure to show as much passion and energy against their next opponents.
U12 Boys
The U12 boys were playing again today and had technically, stepped up a league after finishing in top spot last time out. It’s fair to say, we carried on from where we left off last time.
Slazenger (2) vs. (0) City of York
Our first game was against York, who are a team the boys have played a number of times before, and always seem to do well. This time was no different with us could controlling the game from start to finish. As much as I would like to say that our defence had loads to do, they didn’t. That said, all of our defensive players of Ethan, Dominc, Charley T, Ollie and keeper Nikolai, stayed focused the whole game, just in case a threat came from the York team. Moving forward, we were a joy to watch with Alfie , playing a central midfield role, Nate, Charlie H, and Owen working the ball well between them and causing havoc in the York defence. Our constant pressure paid off with goals scored by Alfie and Charlie H. We had an injury to Dominic in this game, although I have been advised he will be fine and fighting fit for the next tournament. Get well soon Dom.
Slazenger (5) vs. (0) Bradford
Our second game was against a Bradford side who we had played recently, and we took the game to then from the start. Yet again, our defensive players, including our keeper, had very little to do, and we ran the Bradford defence ragged. Great work down the wings from Nate and Charlie H, creating a number of chances saw us quickly take a 3-0 leadwork goals from Owen, Nate and Charlie. That’s said, the boys continued to push forward, with Alfie dominating in midfield, making some mazey runs, before getting into the D and slotting home with a great looping shot. Another goal from Nate ended the scoring in what was a very one way game.
Slazenger (1) vs. (0) Leeds Adel
Our third game was against Leeds Adel and they provided a tougher test than the earlier games, with Ethan, Ollie and Charley T having to work hard at the back. That said, they kept the Leeds Adel attack at bay, and yet again, Nikolai hardly had anything to do, although stood up to the task when called upon. Although we dominated the game, it was a cagey affair and the result was decided by a great short corner strike from Owen.
Slazenger (0) vs. (0) Leeds
The next game was again against a Leeds side who had looked good so far. The boys confidence was high and were looking for a fourth straight win, although they did not have things all their own way. Ethan was immense at the back, with Ollie backing him up when needed. Nikolai had one save to make in the game, which was testament to how well Ollie and Ethan did. Moving forward Alfie, Nate, Charlie, and Owen continued to drive forward, causing issues to the Leeds defense, although we couldn’t break the deadlock. We had a number of chances with great work from Nate, superbly crossing on a number of occasions. As usual Charlie H hugged the right touch line, skimming through the Leeds defence but just could break through Leeds hard working defence.
Slazenger (4) vs. (0) Barnsley
The next game was again Barnsley and the boys were looking to get back to winning ways and Alfie was desperate help the team do this. Yet again he was awesome in the centre of the pitch, tackling, dribbling and creating chances. We were 2- 0 up within the first 5 minutes with goals from Alfie and Charlie H, both mirror images of each other just from different sides of the D. We continued to press for more goals, with Owen, Charlie and Nate all going close. Barnsley then had a couple of minutes where they applied a little pressure, although great defensive work from Charley T, getting in some crucial tackles, and Ethan battling hard, meant the Barnsley attacks broke down.
Then, we went 3-0 up, with what I can only describe as ‘ a goal I myself would have been proud of’. Great work from Charlie H and Alfie down the right, left Alfie driving into the Barnsley D from the right, a jiggly little run past two or three defenders, before running across the keeper and reverse flicking the ball into the roof of the net. I think the Barnsley keeper will still be thinking about how the ball whizzed past his head for weeks to come. Alfie was not done there though, and added a fourth goal late on, again created by Nate from the left wing. Hat-trick for Alfie. An injury to Nate meant a bit of a move around through defence and midfield, moving Ollie onto the left wing and he did not look out of place, doing some great runs and excellent tackling. This just shows we have a versatile squad with cover in most positions.
Slazenger (2) vs. (1) Northallerton
The last match was again Northallerton and it was a winner takes all game, with them matching us result wise so far. We started the game well and went 1-0 up in the first few minutes, with great work from Charlie H down the right again, crossing well for Alfie to calmly slot home. Northallerton then tried to apply a bit of pressure but yet again, Charley T and Ethan stepped up to ensure the attacks came to nothing. A great defensive display by both, as well as Ollie who replaced Charley T with 5 minutes to go.
We again applied the pressure as we were looking to put a bit of breathing space between the teams and this came after a great team movement including Nate, Charlie H and Alfie, leaving Owen to slot the ball home for a 2 – 0 lead. With two minutes to go, a Northallerton attack led to a short corner, which their striker dispatched with a great shot, although Nikolai got a kicker too it, it was not enough to keep it out. With one minute to go, we played keep ball with Alfie again leading the way.
What a great day of hockey and all the lads should be super proud of their performance, stepping up a league and winning it, with five wins and one draw. We’ll done lads. Super proud of you all. Player of the tournament was Alfie. Although he would have been my choice, when I started discussing it, all the players said ‘Alfie’, so it was a kind of players player award, rather than from me. That said, I agreed with the lads decision, as Alfie was awesome today and showed his desire to win in each and every game, topping his performances off with 6 goals. Big thanks to Harry, Owen and Aleks who did a great job umpiring throughout the day. Thanks lads. Also a big thanks to Trevor for doing lots of running round for me ( my dodgy knee ) and the parents for helping clear the pitch at the end of the day.
U12 Girls
U12 Girls 2/3 Team (at Ben Rhydding)
U12s Girls mixed 2s/3s team were playing at Ben Rhydding. This was another tournament for the Slaz team to be proud of! With low availability due to half term we combined the the 2nd and 3rd team. We saw great teamwork, with everyone playing their part in setting up chances for goal and disrupting the other teams chances of scoring.
Slazenger 2 (4) vs. (0) Ben Rhydding 3
Slaz came out on fire as the dominant team, with most of the play being in attacking half. Izzy scored a confident goal early on in the game which helped the team settle. The team worked well together with some great passing around to work the ball up the pitch. There were some strong challenges shown by Katie, Jess and Lily who all created chances for further goals to be scored, with three more converted by Eleanor x 2 and Phoebe H ending the game 4-0!
Slazenger 2 (0) vs. (2) Leeds 1
This was the most challenging match of the tournament against a strong Leeds team. Slaz held their own with confident challenges from all the team across the pitch. Lydia (GK) made some excellent saves and it should be noted that Lydia is our u10 GK who stepped up to help the u12 team out due to half term availability. Lydia cleared the ball several times working with the defence of Phoebe H, Katie and Phoebie W to clear the D but despite their best efforts a deflection sent the ball up over Lydia into the goal. There were some nice runs up the wings from Izzy and Eleanor and strong tackles from Emmy and Lily in midfield who made it hard for Leeds, but a strong shot at goal ended the game 2-0 to Leeds.
Slazenger 2 (2) vs. (0) Huddersfield 1
After a quick re-group, the team demonstrated their Slaz spirit and came out strong again. The strong defence and GK Lydia’s quick reactions helped to prevent Huddersfield from scoring. The team displayed some lovely play through midfield and used their recent training by taking the ball to the back line, crossing it back into the penalty spot just as practiced in training with Izzy and Eleanor scoring ending the game 2-0!
Slazenger 2 (0) vs. (0) Leeds 2
The final game was a brilliant game with excellent efforts by everyone! Again there was some fantastic saves from Lydia (GK) coming out strong and commanding her D, this girl has really found her position this season! The defence worked well together, any attacks from dealt with and cleared out wide. There was great play from Lily, Jess, Phoebe H, Eleanor and Izzy creating some great chances with their crosses into the D. Unfortunately despite the teams best efforts, Slaz were unable to sneak a goal in, but not for the want of trying ending the game 0-0.
There was some really great play from all the girls today, which saw them displaying the skills and tactics that they’ve been practicing in training this season – which is always great to see! Player of the tournament deservedly went to Lily, whose confidence is going from strength to strength – she showed great determination, getting involved with runs, tackles and spacing on the pitch. Well done Lily. Thanks to Gemma for coaching the girls today and Cath for the match report.
U12 Girls A Team
U12 A Team were playing in Division 1 at Wakefield with Darcie stepping up to join the team despite only being nine years old!
Slazenger 1 (1) vs. (0) Sheffield 1
The girls started strongly and were unlucky to not score from an early short corner. The team continued to apply the pressure and were rewarded with a goal scored by Beth from Rosie’s cross. The team kept the opposition out of their defensive half with Amelia and Lorna stopping any attacks. Beth and Lauren kept the team’s formation by maintaining their position on the wing well which gave them space for the ball to be passed out from defence. Beth, Lauren, Darcie and Edie all worked hard up front putting pressure on the defence and were unlucky not to score again. Final score 1-0.
Slazenger 1 (4) vs. (0) Ben Rhydding 1
The team again started strongly and did not allow the opposition possession. The team were rewarded with an early goal scored by Lauren. Lauren fought hard for the ball and was rewarded with another superb goal in the bottom corner. The team kept the pressure up and Rosie showed off her skills taking the ball past the defence, crossing to Edie who slotted the ball into the net. The team went down to just one defender but the team continued to push forward with Amelia sending some beautiful balls to the attackers. The team monopolised on the opposition who were not prepared for their quick free hits, a quick ball from Amelia to Lauren who crossed to Rosie who then took the ball past the defender and scored ending the game 4-0. Rosie also scored another fabulous goal which was incorrectly disallowed by the umpire!
Slazenger 1 (0) vs. (0) Thirsk 1s
The girls started the game well with Edie, Lauren and Beth finding the space in the D and had opportunities to score which were saved by the GK or went just wide of the post. The girls continued to apply the pressure, they won a number of short corners and were unlucky to not score. Rosie worked tirelessly in midfield and between her and Amelia distributed balls to the attackers but they could not find the back of the net despite the chances. Thirsk had one chance which Amie was ready to save and she easily cleared the ball away. Lorna and Amelia stopped any other attacks from entering the D. The Thirsk GK player outstandingly well and kept Slaz from scoring and the game ended in a 0-0 draw.
Slazenger 1 (2) vs. (1) City of York 1s
This was the final game and despite the run of play York scored first. Rosie again worked tirelessly in midfield, pushing the team forward and getting back to support the defence. Beth and Lauren worked hard on the wing, getting back to defend and pushing up in attack. Darcie despite being years younger than the opposition worked hard to apply the pressure on York defence. The girls played really well with some great passing around the York defence resulting in Edie scoring and equalising the score. The girls continued to attack and desperately wanted another goal but were denied by the York GK who dominated the D. In the final minute, despite Lorna, Amelia and Rosie’s efforts, York broke through the defence and scored again ending the game 2-1.
The results meant the girls ended the tournament in second place, which is a change to their usual top spot but gives them things to work on at training ready for the next tournament. Thanks as ever to Milsy and John who coached the girls today and Lisa/Lesley for the results service!
