2024 Match Reports Week 10

Men’s 1st’s (4) vs. (3) Chapeltown 1st’s
The men’s 1st’s travelled out to Chapeltown, looking for a win to get their YNE Division 1 league campaign back on track. Goals came from Amar Khalil, Jermane Cockerill and a brace for Danny Perry. Chesterfield battled back into the game, but a strong defensive performance from the visitors kept an equaliser out and took the full 3 points.

Men’s 2nd’s (3) vs. (2) Brigg 2nd’s
The man’s 2nd’s took a notable win from league high fliers Brigg 2nd’s. Last week’s performance showed the team could come back from behind after scoring 2 goals in 20 minutes. This week, the team started how they finished last week, starting with a high tempo and workrate. 

From the beginning, Slaz looked more dangerous, which was rewarded when Richard Tuddenham wrestled the ball past the goalkeeper to go 1-0 up. The visitors continued to use the space well, playing some composed hockey under pressure of a strong Brigg side. Several more chances went close, but the home goalie kept Brigg in the game. Brigg were not going to give away the game, and adapted their tactics to counter the threat from Slaz.

The second half started similar; Brigg had technically strong players and strung together some strong attacking play. However, Slazenger’s composed possession hockey gave them two more goals; the first penalty corner converted with a top corner drag flick from Keith Leonard. The second came from another trademark Tuddenham strike. 

In the dying minutes of the game, Brigg scored a second and almost looked like equalising. However a strong defensive effort from the side kept them out to take the win and extend their unbeaten run to 6 games.

Men’s 3rd’s (0) vs. (7) University of Leeds 2nd’s
The men’s 3rd’s went from a league topping win last week to a crashing defeat at Leeds University 2nd’s. A fast flowing and aggressive side scored early and at regular intervals through the game. Slaz look to get back to their winning ways next week when they host Ben Rhydding.

Men’s 4th’s (2) vs. (2) Aire Valley 3rd’s
John Sykes netted a brace for the 4th team, to take a share of the points against a visiting Aire Valley 3rd’s. The game was evenly balanced, with Aire Valley taking a lead. However, Slaz worked back into the game with 2 goals. Aire Valley however had the last word, scoring an equaliser late in the game.

Development (2) vs. (0) Rotherham
Poppy and Izzy got the goals in the development team’s 2-0 win over visitors Rotherham.

Ladies 1st’s (3) vs. (1) Wakefield 3rd’s
Ailish Hendry, Frankie Tyrrell and Zoe Dawson were the goal scorers in a decisive 3-1 win over visiting Wakefield 3rd’s.

Ladies 2nd’s (6) vs. (0) Leeds Adel
Slaz were home again this week against Adel. The first 10 were scrappy and chaotic, similar to the week prior. Adel was eager to put up a good fight and were mounting the pressure on Slaz and taking advantage of our disorganisation. This resulted in GK Erin making a number of 1:1 saves in first half. 20 minute in, Slaz began to settle down and responded to Adel’s relentless attacks. Eventually, 5 minute before half time, we were awarded a short corner, which resulted in Stacey taking a straight strike that was initially saved and knocked away by the keeper, but the ball made its way to the end of a Lucy’s stick and she slotted it into the goal. Half time 1-0.

After a big team talk at half time, we entered the second half determined not to repeat the mistakes made the previous week. Within 2 minutes, there was a beautiful link up from mid to upfront between Stacey, Lou, Courtney and finally young Lucy who slotted it in the goal at the far post. Slaz had a number of continued chances and stopped any advances of Adel’s. Mid-way into the second half, we were awarded another short corner which found the net, scored by Ella. From here, the goals kept on coming, next from Nicci following another short corner; then Lou, who smashed it in from top D and did the same again after a nice run from Lucy. Final score 6-0. Player of the match went to GK Erin for saving us in the first half with quick reactions and fantastic saves

Ladies 3rd’s (4) vs. (0) Halifax 3rd’s
Slazenger 3’s secured a dominant 4-0 victory over Halifax. The first 3 goals were all from short corners showcasing their set-piece routine. 

From the outset, Slazengers looked the sharper side, and it didn’t take long for them to break the deadlock The first goal, courtesy of a deflection from Evie Mollart, whose touch found the top corner of the goal. Within minutes Ellie Page then doubled the lead with a powerful, well-placed strike leaving Halifax with little time to settle into the match.. Mollart added her second of the match, once again capitalising on an another short corner opportunity to make it 3-0 before the break.

The second half saw a determined performance from the entire team, with Mollart completing her hat trick and earning her the deserved Player of the Match award. Returning player, Charlotte Alvin was a great addition in midfield and Rebecca Furness again put in a great shift, this time showcasing her skills at centre midfield. The team’s fluid play and strong teamwork were key to their success throughout the game. 

One  aspect of the match worth mentioning is the less dynamic than usual performance of Slazengers’ Lisa Minchella, who played whilst almost certainly still drunk from a heavy session the night before. A younger less experienced player would have almost certainly caved with such a hangover but she showed true Slazenger grit and dug in to the end, although I’m not too sure she’ll remember any of it!! 

Ladies 4th’s (1) vs. (4) Wakefield 5th’s
Slaz travelled the short journey to College Grove for their game against Wakefield 5’s. Unfortunately, the result went against them. Slazenger’s goal came from Kirsty Goddard.

Slazengers 0-0 Halifax – The opening game for Slazengers saw the boys take a while to get in the game. The boys successfully defended 4 short corners, with some superb clearances from Nikolai. Nikolai had an outstanding game saving numerous goals, including 2 which were himself v 2 Halifax players. Towards the end of the game the defence of Ollie and Charlie managed to get some great balls through to midfield for Zach, Alistair and Noah, who managed to set Matthew on his way to get his first shot off, unfortunately Halifax’s keeper had it covered on this occasion.

Slazenger 1-0 Leeds Adel – Adel started strong and the defence of Ollie and  Charlie were busy from the get go, with Zach, Alistair and Noah trying to stop Adel’s route into the D. It was a super clearance from Alistair that started an attack from Noah, who with no clear shot on goal won the team a short corner, unfortunately the boys didn’t manage to convert this into a goal. Soon after this Alistair showed his skills, driving the ball down the line past 2 Adel players, crossing the ball to Matthew at the top of the D, a deflection from an Adel stick sent the ball up in the air which was hit on the half volley by Noah to get the boys their first goal of the day. Adel came back wanting to level the scores but Ollie, Charlie, Zach and Alistair defended tirelessly to prevent Adel from scoring.

Slazengers 0-1 Wakefield – Charlie had a hand injury early in the game which he went off to get some treatment for. Without Charlie on the pitch Ollie was picking up the extra work on defence (albeit Wakefield did loan us a player). Zach seeing the pressure Ollie was under altered his game to play more defensive. Between Ollie, Zach, Alistair and Noah they worked hard to minimise Wakefields shots on goals but did give away a few short corners in the process. Nikolai made some outstanding saves, with the stand out save of the tournament coming from a Wakefield long corner which led to a shot on goal from the top of the d, this was no problem for Ninja Nikolai who pulled off a diving stick save.Unfortunately, being a player down against a strong Wakefield team was tiring the boys and Wakefield managed to get themselves an overload on our defence on numerous occasions, with Wakefield eventually managing to find the back of the net. The Slaz boys didn’t give up, Ollie and Alistair made some great interceptions and clearances. With 1 minute to go, having given away another short corner, it was some great running from Ollie that stopped Wakefield having chance to get another shot off and meant the boys finished the game having only conceding 1 goal.

Slazengers 0-0 Selby – The final game was end to end hockey, with both teams having multiple chances. Zach commanded the centre of midfield, winning multiple free hits and creating opportunities. Charlie put on a brave place to play through the pain of his injury, playing some solid one handed hockey that the opposition supporters were in awe of. Matthew worked tirelessly upfront, getting himself into space and helping midfield to create attacking opportunities. Ollie’s work rate as it had been all tournament was impressive, driving the attack forwards but getting back to defend when Selby broke. Alistair was solid on the right wing, driving the ball past multiple opposition players and showed some superb defensive skill. Nikolai really kept the boys in the game, making multiple saves. Thanks to Ollie Leonard for umpiring today, Keith for managing the boys and Gemma for the great match report. Player of the tournament went to Ollie for his determination and skills shown throughout out the day Coach Keith also gave a special mention to Nikolai for his amazing performance in goal.

Match 2 vs Leeds (0-0) – Facing the reigning champions from the last tournament, the girls rose to the challenge with an outstanding display of teamwork and determination. Strong defensive work combined with quick attacks made this a thrilling game. Their tireless running and cohesion kept Leeds at bay for a well-deserved draw.

Match 3 vs York (2-0 loss) – York proved to be the team to beat this tournament, and while other teams suffered heavy losses to them, our girls held strong, keeping the scoreline respectable. Their determination to limit the damage in a difficult match showed their grit and growth as a team.

Match 4 vs Doncaster (1-0 loss) – In the final match, the girls were visibly tired but gave their all, fighting hard until the final whistle. A single goal from Doncaster sealed the game, but the team’s relentless effort and refusal to give up were commendable.

Player of the Tournament: Matilda, for her outstanding defensive skills and relentless effort, shutting down skilled opponents time and again. A huge thank you to Mark for supporting with coaching and umpiring, as well as to all the supportive parents who cheered the team on. Though the tournament didn’t end in victories, the girls should be proud of their performance. Their hard work, team spirit, and dedication were evident throughout the day. Keep your heads high, we’ll bounce back next time!

Slazenger (0) vs. (1) Ben Rhydding 3 – Slaz started off strong, with some good passing. However Ben Rhydding who had been promoted 2 tournaments earlier showed their experience and pressed stronger. Despite some good attacking from Georgie, it was Rhydding who sneaked a goal to take the win.

Slazenger (0) vs. (1) City of York 3 – York were by far the strongest team in the tournament and had been beating teams by big score-lines. The team did incredibly well, shutting down the attacking options and forcing errors from York. York’s attacking eventually paid off, but not before a series of impressive saves from Lydia. Again, it was only a goal which separated the teams.

Slazenger (0) vs. (0) Wakefield 1 – The third game for Slaz really saw a well matched competition. Slaz had some good attacking play through Ella, Cerys and Hollie, but the Wakefield defence held strong, leaving the result at 0-0. 

Slazenger (0) vs. (1) Ben Rhydding 3 – The rematch against Ben Rhydding was even closer than before. Again, some strong work from Florence and Matilda kept Rhydding out, with Lydia keeping the result goalless. Unfortunately, the opposition slipped one past Lydia in the dying minutes to take the win.

Slazenger (0) vs. (6) City of York 3 – This was the toughest match of the tournament. York were fired up from being undefeated all day. Even with some good work from the entire team, York played with flowing movement and scored regularly through the game. Lydia again kept the score-line lower than it would have been, and Penny, Cerys and Ella did a good job of limiting York’s chances.

Slazenger (0) vs. (1) Wakefield 1 – Slaz looked their most dangerous in this last game. There were attacking runs from Hollie, Cerys, Jemima and Ella. Wakefield were able to prevent Slaz scoring a couple of very strong chances. Again, it was a single goal which Wakefield scored to take the win, but Slaz showed how they had grown through the tournament with how well they played.

The team played well together, and having stepped up to a higher league, all of the fixtures were competitive. In most games, it was only a goal which separated the two teams. Matilda and Penny had really strong games at the back, keeping the opposition out plenty of times. In the middle, Georgie, Hollie, Ella and Cerys put in some great performances. Jemima had a fantastic first tournament, as did Florence, who showed some real grit and determination. Player of the tournament went to Lydia after an incredible performance in goal all day.