Match Reports: 14th April

Slazenger (5) vs. (0) Kingston-Upon-Hull [Scorers: Owen x 3, Alfie, Will]
Unlike our previous tournaments we started this tournament very strongly against a Hull side we didn’t know much about. That said, we took an early two goal lead  with Owen scoring both in quick succession. We continued to dominate the game, and I don’t think Nikolai in goal, had a save to make. This was due to the outstanding performance of Ethan and Ollie in front him, stopping any Hull attack. Great work in midfield continued to create more chances, with Will battling hard and Alfie and Charlie whizzing down the wings. A great run by Alfie past two Hull players and into the D before finishing with a shot into the roof of the net. Nate and Dominic then came on from the subs bench and continued the pressing from midfield leading to further goals from Owen and Will. A great start.

Slazenger (3) vs. (1) Tynedale [Scores: Owen x 2, Alfie]
We looked to continue our form into our next game with Tynedale, the team from the North East. We quickly took the lead with a great goal from Alfie and this set the scene for the game. Charlie made a number of great runs down the right wing, creating multiple chances, with Owen finishing calmly following a cross from the right. Tynedale then stepped it up a little and Nikolai had a couple of routine saves to make, but was there was called upon. These chances were kept to a minimum with Ethan and Ollie being strong yet again at the back, with Will working tirelesley to help his defensive team mates, whilst turning defence into attack. Nate then replaced Alfie and made some great runs down the left wing, constantly looking to attack when ever he could. Dominic came on and partnered Ethan once more and was solid yet again. Another mazey run from Charlie led to a short corner and Owen superbly slotted the ball home to give us another great win.

Slazenger (1) vs. (3) Lindum [Scorer: Alfie]
We went into the game against Lindum full of confidence and looking to make it three wins out of three. Lindum came out stron and we were evenly matched for large parts of tbe game. Again we drove forward with Will, Charlie and Alfie driving forward at every opportunity, looking to create chances for themselves and Owen. We had our chances but it was Lindum who took a 2-0 lead, with Nikolai saving the initial shots, but could do nothing with the rebounds. This really made us step it up a gear and Alfie then scored a lovely solo goal, cutting in from the left and slotting the ball home. Game on. Charlie and will continued to drive forward but we could not make our pressure tell. Lindum then got a late third to end the game.

Slazenger (1) vs. (0) Chesterfield [Scorer: Alfie]
We then came up against Chesterfield, who we have played so many times this season, and yet again we were very evenly matched. The game was end to end and Ethan amd Ollie really had to work hard to stem the Chesterfield attacks. Nikolai made a couple of great saves to keep the game at 0-0. All of our attacking ayer were a constant threat with Charlie and Alfie running down the wings, and Will and Owen causing problems for the Chestfield players. Another lovely move led to a goal from Alfie and we then managed to hold on for the win.

Slazenger (0) vs. (1) Wakefield
We then played Wakefield with us just needing a draw to secure a place in the final. This was always going to be out toughest match as the players on  with sides know each other well.  We started the game strongly with Will man marking the Wakefield danger man out of the game. We drove forward with Nate and Charlie making great runs down the wing although our chances were few and far between, with Wakefield doubling up on Charlie throughout the game. The game continued to be end to end with us both having chances but Nikolai and the Wakefield keeper making crucial saves. Wakefield then scored from a short corner with a Wakefield shot taking a wicked deflection causing the ball to loop over Nikolai. We then stepped it up as we searched for the equaliser, with Charlie managing to get some joy down the wing and crossing the ball, which found Will who took a shot which deflected off the inside of his leg pad and was going into the net, only for a Wakefield player to dive for the ball knocking it off the goal line. We continued to create chances but could not get the equaliser.

Slazenger v Chesterfield (3rd/4th playoff)
We were up against Chesterfield again and they wanted revenge for the earlier defeat. Nate and Dominic started in this game and did not look out of place. The game was again end to end and we went 1-0 down, before coming back into the game with another goal from Alfie. The game ended 1-1 and meant this match was to be decided by penalty flicks. We ended up losing the game on flicks, although the highlight was a great save from Nikolai for the 2nd Chesterfield flick and his reaction was typical Nikolai.

We ended up finishing 4th for the day, and although the boys were disappointed, they played some beautiful free flowing hockey at times, and it is was a joy to watch. I wanted to decide the player of the tournament slightly differently this time and asked the players to chose their player of the tournament, via their parents. Looking at the votes that came in, I have decided to give player of the tournament to……every single player that stepped on the pitch for us. All of the boys gave 100% for each other and showed exactly what is needed to be part of a great team. Well done and super proud of you all.

This season has been a rollacoaster at times for the boys, although they have had more ups than downs, and every single U12 player, from both the A and the B team should be extremely proud of the performances they have put in this season, as well as their own individual and team achievements. A great set of lads who I am sure will go on to do great things on the hockey pitch.

I thank you all for been a great set of lads this season and wish all who are stepping up to u14s next season good luck, as you start to play 11 a side, full pitch hockey. Thank you to Tim Michael for umpiring yesterday and thank you to all the u12 parents for your support this season. Lastly, a big shout out to the U12 girls team who won the England Hockey U12 In2Hockey Yorkshire and North East Cup at Maiden Castle, Durham