Men’s 1st’s (3) vs. (1) City of York 2nd’s
A win on the road for the Men’s 1st team. It was an early start for the visitors, who came out victors. Goals came from Jordan Ingham, Adam Fall & Ben Jackson for a convincing win.
Men’s 2nd’s (2) vs. (0) Acomb 1st’s
Slaz were back on the road after a shock victory over league leaders Scarborough in the previous week. This week saw an encounter with bogey side, Acomb. The team started strongly; a high press and fast pace saw the team command the first 10 minutes of the game. As the game developed, there were several close chances, with Ben Graham keeping the Acomb goalkeeper busy. Graham netted the first goal by deflecting the ball past the keeper to go ahead.
Slaz continued to maintain possession, but Acomb fought their way back into the game with spells of strong possession. Slaz continued to press and Ian Hedges bobbled a ball through the keeper’s legs to put them further ahead. The second half was a closer game. Acomb were more organised and had several chances in front of goal. Josh Hujwan stepped up when needed and came away with a clean sheet. The only disappointment was Ste Roberts catching a ball to the jaw in the closing seconds of the game. We hope him well in his recovery.
Men’s 3rd’s (3) vs.(2) Ben Rhydding 4th’s
Slazenger hosted Ben Rhydding 4ths for a close encounter. Slaz took the points through Matt Smith (2) and Mark Hammond (1). Ben Rhydding ran them close with 2 goals from the visitors.
Men’s 4th’s (0) vs. (3) Aire Valley 3rd’s
Another disappointing week the the men’s 4th team as we hosted Aire Valley 3rds. A relatively strong defensive performance kept the score line level until the closing minutes of the first half but the halftime score was 1-0. We started the second half equally resolute however two goals late in the game resulted in another loss final score 3-0 to Aire Valley.
Men’s 4th’s vs. Huddersfield Dragons 4th’s
A positive end to the weekend as the men’s 4s beat Huddersfield dragons 4s. A very strong start saw us have the better of the chances including a number of short corners. The fist goal however came from dragons midway through the first half but the equaliser came moments before half time as a lose ball in the D was slotted in from the left wing. The momentum carried on during the second half with a number of further chances resulting in another two goals. Goals from Ollie and Keith Leonard & John Sykes. Final score Slazenger 3 Huddersfield 1.
Development Team – No Game
Ladies 1st’s (1) vs. (1) Huddersfield Dragons 1st’s
The ladies 1st’s drew with Dragons 1st’s. Slazenger’s goal came from Millie Breirley
Ladies 2nd’s (1) vs. (5) Sheffield University Bankers 2nd’s
Lost 5-1. Goal from Laura Teasdale
Ladies 3rd’s (6) vs. (0) Aire Valley 4th’s
Leaving their ice rink behind Aire Valley ladies 4 travelled a few degrees warmer to take on the ladies 3 at Slaz this weekend. With Caro away, the forward line wanted to take the opportunity to up their goal tally’s as the battle for top goal scorer hots up, Lauren at the other end was determined to restart a run of clean sheets after last weeks 4:2 win at Cleckheaton, and captain Justine was set on this seasons unbeaten record being maintained meant that all were up for the game today. Slaz wasted little time and pressed from the off, keeping the ball up in the attacking half, goal scoring opportunities went begging but after 10 mins the gates were opened and Maisie put Slaz in front.
Aire Valley were keen to get back into the game but the midfield were having non of it, with Rebecca showcasing her speed and skill in this area. Mia almost added to the score-line but Aire Valley stopped her shot on the line with a foot – stepping up for the penalty stroke, doing the keeper with her eyes she made the score-line 2:0. Slazenger wrapped up the first half 3:0 up courtesy of the new MRS of the team when newly named Loz Waddington beat the keeper for the third. The second half was much the same – each time Aire Valley attempted to attack the Slaz d they were thwarted – RichT showing her usual levels of commitment leaving everyone wondering whether it was the opposition, a team mate or her own feet that had eventually floored her.
Maisie opened up the second half after a strong long ball from Minch, scoring with a stunning deflection into the top of the net. Justine stepped in to make it 5 and finally Mia, not to be out done by Mais, scored a stunner firing the ball from the top d into the top corner. Job done – Final score 6:0. Mia was this weeks MVP for the flick and spectacular second half goal. Mia also managed a share of the tart vote for squealing and making eyes at the keeper – a bit rightly shared with RichT who loves a good fall at least once a game.
Ladies 4th’s – No Game
U10 Girls A Team
Slaz (5) vs. (0) Sheffield
Off to a strong start straight up the field, Edie made a great shot but it bounced off the post, Darcie was quick to follow up and score. Next goal made from a strong hit from a 16 hit from Katie, quick touch from Edie to Darcie in the perfect space to score. Sheffield caught Slaz off guard, making a break through, leaving Lydia with a 121 – but she came out cutting their shot down and clearly wide. Great tackles and marking player worked well from a Katie, Ella, Penny, Georgie & Bridget – keeping most of the play in our attacking half and finish 5-0 win to Slaz.
Slaz (1) vs. (1) Thirsk
Evenly matched game, with the team battling hard. Great teamwork early on as Edie passed the ball from top D with three defense on her to Darcie in a space to score. Lots of running to mark players when they were attacking and pushing up when we were attacking. Georgie got stuck in making some great tackles and channeling players to keep them wide. Penny built on feedback getting into some great spaces and moving the ball up the field. Great defense, with some strong saves and clearing, but Thirsk intercepted a clearing and scored leaving the game 1-1.
Slaz (5) vs. (1) Leeds Adel
More great play, from across the team Penny made and impressive cross into the D to Darcie who score (making a very proud Dad & coach on the side line!). Bridget getting back, supporting defense. Ella made some great tackles and pushing the oppositions out wide. Katie made several runs from free hits down the wing taking advantage of the space and crossing the ball into the D. More great goals for Darcie & Edie leaving the match 5-1.
Slaz (3) vs. (0) City of York
A tough match, the team were tired and we struggled with a few injuries. Nevertheless the team battled on with defence working hard but the York midfield took control. Player went to Katie, for some fab defence, as well as pushing the ball up the field with great runs down the wing and crosses into the D. Thanks to Rob for your support and umpiring pretty much most of the matches!
U10 Girls B Team
Slaz (0) vs. (0) Chesterfield
Strong defence of Matilda and Isabellla , keeping Chesterfield attack away keeper William . Great linking forward from Maia , Savannah and Hollie pushing forwards . More amazing attacking from Frances, Sophie and Grace . Chesterfield had one attack , which William easily cleared . Amazing attacking performance from the team.
Slaz (0) vs. (2) Chapeltown
Chapeltown started strong and William ended up with a 1 on 1 with their attacker , William stayed strong and body blocked. The attack continued and Chapeltown found a way through after some amazing saves from William . Strong tackles and channeling from maia, Isabella and Matilda. There was great pressing from a long corner from Sophie , Grace and Frances.
Slaz (0) vs. (2) Chesterfield
Chesterfield put on the pressure causing issues for the Slazenger team. They all defended really well and Hollie and Grace had some great attacking runs . The gale force winds arrived for this game , which gave the team an extra challenge with running and hearing the calls on the pitch .
Slaz (0) vs. (1) Chapeltown
Chapeltown started really well and mounted loads of pressure on the Slazenger team. Some great defensive work and attacking runs. This weeks performance was absolutely brilliant, great defending and great attacking , we couldn’t have been more proud of all the effort put in by all the players. Player went to Isabella for her brilliant progress over the last few tournaments and dependable in defence with great passes out to the sides. Thanks to Rich & Ian for coaching and Donna for the match report.
U10 Boys
We had a full squad of 10 for today’s tournament which was fantastic!
Slazenger (5) vs. (0) Leeds
The team started quickly with Alistair and Noah working the ball down the right side of the pitch. It was all a little frantic from both teams as they battled the wind but Slaz made the better chances. There was some great pressure and tackling from Vinnie, Alistair, Matthew and Noah from the front line and a great interception by Zack thwarted the Leeds attack and set up a great chance for Matthew but it just went wide. A great pass from the sideline found Noah in space in the D, he controlled turned and scored our first goal. Some good pressure from Harry S slowed the Leeds attack and Freddie and Zack stayed strong in defence, putting in some great tackles to keep Leeds out. When subbed on, Little Harry and Zack stopped another Leeds attack with some fantastic tackling together. Noah and Dom linked up well finding Matthew in the D who slotted it past the GK to make it 2-0 to Slaz.
The second half started fast with Alastair making another fantastic right wing run, beating the defence with his skill and pace. He got to the D and slipped in Vinnie who unfortunately just put the ball wide of the post but he was in a fantastic position. During another Leeds attack, little Harry made a solid tackle and passed the ball out of defence. There was another attack down the right from Alistair, who passed across to Dom in the D and the Leeds GK made a great save to stop another goal. Leeds quickly went on the attack but the great defence of Freddie and little Harry followed by 2 great saves by Nikolai kept Leeds from scoring. Harry S in midfield kept the pressure on Leeds but it was Leeds who continued the attack. Little Harry and Freddie made some good interceptions, tackles and passed the ball out of defence. There was some great play from Harry S who had 2 shots saved by the Leeds defence but it was a great ball across the D from Noah who found Matthew at the back post to score his second goal and put Slaz 3-0 up. A great run to the Leeds top D by Alistair found Noah in space who slotted the ball in making it 4-0 and he celebrated with a knee slide. Leeds fought back and found space attacking down the right and into the D, the shot was saved by Nikolai who cleared the ball wide. A quick free hit from Zach set the team up for another attack and Noah controlled the ball and found the corner of the Leeds goal to make it 5-0. It was a fantastic team performance by all the boys with a well deserved victory. The schedule meant the boys were off for an hour so made the most of their time with games in the clubhouse!
Slazenger (0) vs. (3) Ben Rhydding
The was a good start for Slaz with good midfield play from Noah who passed to Matthew in the D. A fantastic sweep shot forced a brilliant save from the BR goalkeeper. The strong defence from Freddie, little Harry and Alistair stopped the BR attack and a great clearance from Nicolai set Slaz going again. Zach made some great tackles and passed to find Noah in space but the BR defence stopped the Slaz attack. BR attacked and a deflection off of a Slaz foot deflected the ball past Nikolai making it 1-0 to BR. This spurred the Slaz boys on, there was some great passing from Zach in defence through to Vinnie and up to Matthew but some fantastic BR defence stopped the attack. BR broke and a great timed tackle by Harry S stopped the attack. There was a good team attack by BR to score their second goal after a great initial save by Nikolai who just couldn’t reach the follow up shot. The last attack of the half was from Slaz, with some great play on the right by Dom and Noah who couldn’t find the much needed goal.
Slaz was under pressure from the start but the solid defence turned in to attack with a great pass from Freddie to Matthew. Noah, Matthew, Dom and Alistair turned defence into attack with some great battling but couldn’t convert to a goal. BR broke away and quickly passed to the forward who scored past Nikolai with a well finished shot. Little Harry made some good tackles and Vinnie made some great runs but the Slaz boys just couldn’t find the much deserved goal. The BR team was strong and organised and stopped all the Slaz’s attacks. A lovely run by Alistair found Matthew and Noah up front but it was a great save from the BR goalkeeper which kept it out. The match ended, giving BR a 3-0 victory. The Slaz boys tried really hard but came up against a strong opposition who had answers for all the Slaz attacks. Another long break meant more board-game time for the boys in the clubhouse.
Slazenger (0) vs. (2) Halifax
The final game started well with Zach demonstrating his well timed tackles and strong passes forward. Halifax came on the attack but a good deflection from Freddie kept Halifax out. Harry S made a good tackle but the ball went out for a long corner which the defence cleared with a great pass to Alistair on the right which set Slaz off. Dom put good pressure on the Halifax defence but Halifax broke forward with a quick attack. Freddie made a good tackle and a great kick out by Nikolai kept it 0-0. A quick attack lead by Zack found Vinnie up front who couldn’t make the chance count. It turned into a very end to end game but it was Slaz who created more chances. Noah had a good attack down the right taking it past the Halifax defence but he couldn’t get the ball through to Matthew as the Halifax goalkeeper made a great stop. Halifax attacked but a Halifax foot was not given and they broke through. Nikolai made a great first save but couldn’t keep the follow up shot out making it 1-0 to Halifax at half time.
There was a good start to the second half for Halifax while Slaz got organised. Little Harry made a great tackle and Freddie cleared the ball. Halifax followed up with a shot and a great stick save by Nikolai down to his right kept it out. An attack by the Halifax defender split the Slaz defence and Halifax scored to make it 2-0. Slaz went up the other end but a bad tackle at the top of the Halifax D took Matthew out of the game and stopped a clear shooting opportunity. Slaz found it hard to get into the game, the good defence from Freddie and Harry S stopped the Halifax attacks. And great running from Alistair and Noah made chances for Slaz but they couldn’t make any chances count.
Overall the boys played very well but couldn’t take their chances and the results were fair. One win and two losses. They’ll be back ready and raring for the next tournament. Player went to little Harry for his composure and tackles in defence; the improvements in his game has been remarkable! Thanks to Gemma for helping me manage the team, and Jimmy for the match report. Thanks to Ruby and Amelia for umpiring on the 21st January!
