Men’s 1st’s (4) vs. (3) Rotherham 1st’s
Slazenger’s Men’s 1s travelled to Rotherham for an early game on Saturday with hopes of taking away three points. Slaz started well and the strong drag-flicking of Jermaine Cockerill led to Slazenger taking a deserved early lead through a penalty flick converted by Danny Perry. However, despite taking an early lead, Slazenger couldn’t maintain momentum in the game and quickly conceded a couple of cheap goals. Heading into the halftime break, Slaz found themselves 2-1 down.
In the second half, Slaz gained a greater foothold in the game, finally holding onto possession for longer passages and returning to the style of play they look best playing. Rewards duly followed, with a smart finish from Christopher Gascoigne and a second goal from Danny Perry sandwiching a Rotherham goal against the run of play.
Heading into the final moments at 3-3, the game was set to be any bodies to win. Unfortunately, Slaz couldn’t keep out a good finish from a well-worked Rotherham set piece. Slazengers can take positives from some good passages of play in the second half but need to commit more consistently to playing passing hockey if they are to return to the top end of the table by the season’s close. The final score was 4-3 to Rotherham.
Special mentions go to Robin Brearton, Adam Fall and Jermaine Cockerill for man-of-the-match worthy performances and Alex Garlick for his strongest showing of the season so far at his new club.
Men’s 2nd’s (2) vs. (2) Lindum 4th’s
After being 2-0 down with 20 mins to do, it was the last touch of the ball which completed the 2nd’s comeback to take a share of the points.
Slaz travelled to Lincoln for a fixture against Lindum 4th’s. Missing 5 of their regular side, they travelled depleted, with a pair of guest stars to give the 2nd’s a starting 11 and sub. The game was evenly matched from the outset; Slaz had periods of strong passing hockey, and went close to scoring several times, but lapsed and allowed Lindum to go 1-0 ahead before the break.
The second half was similarly hit and miss and before long, Slaz were 2-0 down. However, with 20 minutes to go, the team began to play some of the most composed hockey of the season; moving the ball around the pitch with poise and precision. This gave them the advantage as they began to impose themselves on the game.
Keith Leonard gave the team another boost, converting a penalty corner with an impressively taken flick. Even with only 1 sub, the team continued to work had, forcing errors in Lindum’s half, but an equaliser was frustratingly not coming. However, in the final seconds of the game, Andy Fisher played Ian Hedges into space, only for an ugly last gasp defensive tackle gave them a final penalty corner. With the final whistle already blown, the last corner of the game was played; Leonard drew the defenders in, switching it to Hedges who slotted it home to equalise.
A fantastic comeback and another well earned point for the team who head to 3rd place Brigg next week for a tougher test.
Men’s 3rd’s (4) vs. (2) Tadcaster Magnets 1st’s
A beautifully observed minute silence set the tone for a huge game against top of the league, with a chance to leapfrog both Tadcaster and Hull, depending on other results.
Slaz had a rocky start, conceding within a minute, a well worked team goal by Tad. As expected, the game started very fast, with good passing from both teams. 10 minutes in, a beautifully worked short corner led to Damo laying Richard off for a great equaliser. As the half went on, Slazenger grew massively in confidence, attacking with more freedom, and keeping the Tadcaster forwards at bay. Nearing the end of the half, another amazingly worked short led to Trevor finishing at the back post, which handed us the lead against top of the league! However, it was very clear why Tad were top, and a high quality goal equalised the game just before the break. 2-2 half time.
Tadcaster came out of the blocks strong, winning an early short, but not making the most of it. Slazenger started the second half how we ended the first, high intensity and fast paced. Trevor managed to put the ball in the back of the net from another short, but he sportingly admitted it hit his foot. Aidan kept up his great form this season with some strong saves, which kept the match tense and edgy. Slazenger had the upper hand in the second half, as the great use of subs kept the team fresh, whilst keeping good pressure and determination. Dan Bailey made a great impact in the middle of the park and out wide, and Tadcaster received a yellow with 13 minutes left to play. Almost immediately, Slazenger capitalised on the man advantage, with the ball deflecting off a Tad defender from a Damo strike, once again from a short corner. With Tad returning to 11 men, Aleks Thompson picked up his third green of the season, with the ball bouncing off his foot when Tadcaster were attacking. Even with fewer players, Slaz continued to press, with Harry Ashford scoring a beautiful goal, after taking it past multiple defenders to slot the ball past the keeper from the edge of the D. Slazenger saw the game out, and it finished 4-2!
Slazenger showed great determination today despite the level of opposition, and were rewarded by going top of the league!
Men’s 4th’s (2) vs. (1) Leeds 7th’s
A disappointing result for the men’s 4s as they travelled to Leeds as they lost 2-1. The 4s dominated the early stages of the game creating multiple chances against the hosts but failing to find the net to gain an advantage. A Leeds short corner gave them the advantage shortly after the 10 minute mark. The men’s 4s continued to create opportunities for themselves while denying Leeds any chance to extend their lead. Ultimately Slaz were able to find an equaliser midway through the second half but a late counter attack and keeper error allowed Leeds to regain the advantage in the closing minutes. Final score Leeds 7s 2 Slazenger 4s 1.
Development Team (1) vs. (5) Wakefield
The development team were on the losing end of a 5-1 game against Wakefield. Owen Wiper scored for the visitors.
Ladies 1st’s (3) vs. (1) Harrogate 2nd’s
The ladies 1st’s hosted visiting mid-table side Harrigate 2nd’s. THe game was evenly matched from the off, however Zoe Dawson scored to put the home side ahead.
Harrogate pulled themselves into the game with a goal of their own. However, a brace from Sarah Sykes put the result beyond doubt. The result takes them to 3rd place in the league.
Ladies 2nd’s (2) vs. (2) Halifax 2nd’s
Slaz once again, started off quite disjointed and was very unsettled for the first 10 minutes. After slow play from both sides, Slaz were eventually awarded a penalty flick for a foot on the goal line, though despite Nicci Swinden’s best efforts, this was saved by Halifax’s keeper. Following a few more potential scoring opportunities and a number of short corners, we still couldn’t get past Halifax’s tight defence and keeper. Finally later in the first half, we managed to find the back of the net with a well executed short corner that was slotted in by Stacey Drake. Half time 1-0.
Second half was similar to the first, with good breaks from both sides. There were multiple short corners for both teams, however, this time Halifax was able to capitalise and scored not one but two goals in short succession to take the lead. Slaz, not used to being on the back foot, piled on the pressure to not concede our first game of the season, but were being held by Halifax defence. We had good chances with a fantastic run from Lucy to the base line, but again couldn’t make anything of it. In the final 5 mins, a ball hit a Halifax foot on the line for the second time this match. Nicci Swinden again bravely volunteered, determined to put the ball in the back of the net, and she did just that. The final score ended 2-2, still keeping the 2’s top of the league.
Ladies 3rd’s (0) vs. (0) Batley 1st’s
Slazengers 3s battled to a 0-0 draw in a tough, physical contest against Batley, with both sides creating chances but ultimately unable to find the back of the net. The match was hard-fought throughout, with Slazengers showing plenty of team work and determination.
Player of the match, Erin Kelly was outstanding in the centre of midfield, showing exceptional skill and vision. Her ability to control the game and thread passes into the D created numerous attacking opportunities for Slazengers.
Rebecca Furness put in an exceptional performance at the back. She was a constant presence, blocking shots, making crucial tackles. Her composure under pressure and clever distribution helped keep Batley at bay.
Lisa Ellis was once again solid between the posts, maintaining her impressive form with a clean sheet. Her communication with the defence was key in keeping the opposition from breaking through. Lisa also engaged in some spirited battles with the opposition, showing her competitive edge.
Ladies 4th’s (2) vs. (6) City of York 6th’s
Two goals from Slazenger 4th’s were not enough to give the team the victory. Goals came from Francesca Chromiakova and Kirsty Goddard.
Under 14 Girls (0) vs. (1) Alderley Edge
Our U14 Girls travelled from sunny Yorkshire to rainy Lancashire for our round 2 match in the U14 Tier 1 cup, playing Alderley Edge. Despite the challenging wet conditions, the girls gave it their all and truly did the Club proud today. GK Ami had a standout performance, making several brilliant saves and crucial clearances that kept us in the game. The defenders were rock-solid, working tirelessly to repel the opposition’s attacks, showing great determination throughout. Our midfielders were key, supporting the defence when needed and pushing forward to create opportunities. The forwards also showed incredible tenacity, making relentless runs and chasing down balls that seemed out of reach.
Despite the team’s performance, the opposition did manage to score and the game ended 0-1. The girls really fought hard today, demonstrated resilience, and played with heart every step of the way. While the outcome wasn’t in our favour, we know the game was much more than what was reflected on the scoreboard. I am so proud of each one of you, we’ll come back stronger! Thank you to Alderley Edge for the hospitality, the girls thoroughly enjoyed the pitch side snacks before we returned home to Yorkshire.