Men’s 1st’s (2) vs. (1) City of York 3rd’s
Slazenger Men’s 1st Team successfully edged past a resilient York 3rd team in a tense, nerve-racking match. The final score read 2-1 to Slazenger, at the end of a hard fought encounter on home soil. As the match pushed off, Slazenger quickly set the tempo, showing good control over the game. Their domination finally paid off as they scored the opener from a well-executed short corner. Yet, York proved a tough nut to crack. Undeterred by the initial setback, they threw themselves back into the fray, levelling the scoreline with a swift counter-attack that caught Slaz off-guard. This produced a powerful strike that beat the home side’s keeper, resulting in honours being even at the break. The York goalkeeper, in particular, was instrumental in keeping the hopes alive for the away side in the second half. With a series of stunning saves, he thwarted every attack the Slazenger team threw at him, becoming the bulwark that Slazenger found hard to bypass.
Despite the formidable resistance put up by York, Slazenger remained patient, creating chances while maintaining their organised defence – particularly impressive after the loss of stalwart, Adam ‘Drakey’ Drake to a calf injury. When all seemed even, the home team managed to break through York’s solid defence with a crucial goal late in the fray. This was a nail-biting conclusion that left the spectators at the edge of their seats. The performance of both teams served as a testament to the competitiveness of the sport, but ultimately, it was Slaz who were celebrating not only the win, but a move into 4th place in the table!
Men’s 2nd’s (1) vs. (5) Bradford 1st’s
Mens 2nd’s hosted Bradford 1st’s for a tough encounter at home. Slaz looked like the stronger side in the first half; teir new formation and play distinctly improved on previous weeks performances. Slaz netted from Ollie Leonard, and kept pace with the high flying visitors. However, into the second half the seam began to flag and their new formation slipped from being well structured and disciplined.
The injury of midfield dynamo Ben Graham did not help matters, and Bradford scored 2 quick goals to take a decisive lead. Slaz continued to battle back, but an impressive goalkeeping display from the Bradford keeper kept them ahead. In the dying minutes, Bradford scored 2 more, unfortunately giving a scoreline which did not reflect the flow of the game.
Mens 3rd’s (3) vs. (2) Leeds 6th’s
Men’s 3rd’s beat Leeds 6th’s away at Leeds. Goals came from John Sykes (2) and Curtis Jones
Development Team (0) vs. (2) Wakefield
The development team lost 2-0 to Wakefield.
Ladies 1st’s (2) vs. (3) Sheffield Hallam 2nd’s
Ladies 1st’s lost 3-2. Goals from Jessica Rudge and Frankie Tyrrell.
Ladies 2nd’s (0) vs (4) Ben Rhydding 3rd’s
Slaz 2’s travelled to Ben Rhydding to play the second leg of back to back games. After a strong start, Ben Rhydding managed to sneak an early goal in. Despite this, Slaz battled persistently and were pushing back against BRs attack, resulting in 2-0 at half time. After inspirational speeches by captain Phe and the team, we set up again very determined to keep strong. Slaz led a mixed attacking and defending half aided by Stacey’s powerful hits into Ben Rhydding’s half and excellent defending by Ni and Laura. Despite Slaz’s hard work, backing each other up and cutting off several attempts by BR, the final score was settled at 4-0. Player this week went to GK Tracy who demonstrated her talents with insane saves throughout the game.
Ladies 3rd’s (0) vs. Sheffield Uni Bankers 3rd’s (0)
Slazengers hosted the return fixture which could prove the most vital game of the season. After their 1-0 defeat Bankers fielded an unrecognisable team from the previous week. From off the off Slazenger defence of Minch, Ritchtea, Emma , Lucy, Gemma and Nicole were put under immense pressure and time again they came out on top. Ensuring they won the ball, blocked out Bankers passes and cleared the D. Keeper Lauren was uncharacteristically vocal in directing, and the Bankers attackers were in no way allowed to progress far due to the tight man to man marking and impenetrable defence.
At half time the score remained goalless. Slazengers had a number of chances to score in the second half and looked dangerous on the break, but this week it was not to be. Lauren made a number of crucial saves, one ar the right hand post causing the team to have their hearts in their mouths as the ball ricocheted off her pad onto her stick. Fortunately this went just wide of the goal. Another in the closing moments after the Bankers attacker struck the ball cleanly in the very busy D, Lauren managed to pick out the ball and made a spectacular save earning her player of the match and another clean sheet. All In all a sterling team effort showcasing some brilliant defensive play.
U10 Boys
It was on, then off, then on again! But the boys were raring to go despite the cold conditions!
Slaz (4) vs. (1) Aire Valley
The first game was against Aire Valley and the boys started strongly, with Matthew scoring a goal early in the bottom corner after a great pass from Alistair. Slaz had some good possession and continued to attack with Little Harry managing to score his first ever goal in his first ever game! 🤩 It was a brilliant finish after he pounced on a loose ball from the keeper. The defence of Harry S, Freddie and Zach ensured that any attacks were kept away from our GK Nikolai and Noah pushed the team forward in attack dominating in midfield. Some well worked passing down the right between Noah and Dominic, found Matthew in the D who scored again. Vinnie, Little Harry and Alistair continued to work hard and the team were rewarded with another goal from Matthew, this time a reverse flick past the keeper following a rebound. Aire Valley got one back after some good passing from a 16 and they split the Slaz defence with an accurate pass into the D ending the game 4-1.
Slaz (3) vs. (0) Adel
Adel started the game strong but some great tackling from Freddie and Harry S kept the team in possession. A speedy run down the wing by Alistair made a chance for Dominic and Matthew but a great save from the Adel keeper kept it out. The team continued to attack, with Noah demonstrating his superb stick skills eliminating the GK so Dominic took the chance to score! Adel fought back but the strong defence of Vinnie, Harry S and Freddie kept Adel out the D so Nikolai could continue to enjoy the glorious weather whilst laid out admiring his team’s efforts. Matthew’s interception and fine pass to the penalty spot to Dominic who scored helped the team to double the lead. Zach came on in midfield and made some great long passes through to the attackers which created many opportunities including one fast break down the right side and it was only a great save from the Adel GK which stopped the attack. More consistent pressure from the Slaz team lead to more chances with Little Harry being denied by a whistle from the umpire. Super speedy Alistair pounced on a loose 16 from Adel, he determinely drove into the D and slotted the ball away for a well deserved goal! The team were not ready to go easy and the attacking pressure by the Slaz team made it very difficult for Adel to get out of their own half with our defence remaining solid and the game finished 3-0.
Slaz (3) vs. (0) Leeds
The team came into the came full of confidence and they started strongly against Leeds. A fast start for Slaz led to a brilliant early chance from Alistair who worked hard all game to put the opposition under pressure. The team continued to apply the pressure and there were some more good efforts on goal which were denied by the Leeds GK. But after a great strike from Noah which was saved, it was Matthew who managed to put the ball away giving Slaz the lead! A great stick save by super GK Nikolai was cleared away by the strong defence of Harry S and Zach. The whole team pushed forward in attack with Harry S in defence passing to Noah in midfield and up to Alistair who was unlucky to score after another good save from the Leeds GK. An interception and run from Matthew doubled the Slaz lead with a fantastic undercut sweep which the Leeds GK had no chance to save as the ball finished in the top corner. There was a quick break by Leeds from a restart which was cleared with a great wide kick out by GK Nikolai and followed up by Freddie’s interception to stop the next Leeds attack. Some more distribution by Zach and Harry S in defence set the boys attacking up the left with Little Harry and Vinnie powering through and skilful runs by Alistair showing his pace. Leeds had another chance at the top of the D but a brilliant save by Nikolai put a stop to the Leeds attack. A last second break led to Slaz’s third and final goal with Noah finishing off a very good performance by the U10s and the team finished undefeated.
Player of the tournament went to Alistair who has consistently demonstrated his silky skills and speed down the wing. Super thanks to the team of umpires at Slazengers today; Francesca, Ruby, Ruby and Amelia! Thanks to Gemma for helping me manage the team, James for the match report and Tracy for the scoring and to the parents for clearing the pitch afterwards!
U14 Boys (4) vs. (2) Harrogate
The U14 Slaz boys had been working hard at training to be ready for today’s game against Harrogate.
Slaz started strong with some brilliant passing from Seth, Owen and Ally in the midfield; creating changes for forwards Aleks, Ollie and Evan. They were unlucky not to find an early goal. Harrogate got stronger but the defence by Jack, Harry, George, Isaac and stand in goalkeeper Nikolai worked well to keep them from scoring. It was a great passage of play on the right by Ollie & James which saw Slaz get another short corner. This time, the strong pass from Aleks set Owen up for a direct strike in the bottom right corner for Slaz to finish the half in the lead, 0-1.
After a good half time talk, the boys were ready to start playing to their strengths. James put in some amazing runs into the D which created changes for Ollie and Aleks. And in quick succession 3 goals were scored; Ollie 2 & Aleks 1. The team had managed to put the first half behind them and were back playing some great hockey, with the newest players Oliver, Evan, Isaac & James playing their parts in a very strong second half. Harrogate manage to take advantage of Slaz going down a player, to a green card, and Nikolai was unlucky to concede after several strong saves.
A quick break, brought Harrogate even closer, against the play of the game, 2-4. Slaz managed to get their grip back on the game and finished the game well. A hard fought but deserved win, confirming their unbeaten record at the top of their league. 4 games, 4 wins, +20 goal difference. Special mention for Nikolai (age 9) for stepping up to play in goal today.
Girls U14’s – No report
