Men’s 1st’s (8) vs. (0) Leeds 4th’s
Slazenger men’s 1s hosted Leeds 4s in their first game back since the Christmas break, having gotten a strong result in the reverse fixture.
However, despite that 6-0 away victory, Slazengers struggled in the opening passages of play in this game, perhaps owing to an extended festive period. However, battling through bad visibility due to a low sun, Slaz grew into the game and brought an increased energy and industry to the match after the first ten minutes. And, after shifting to their preferred ball – captain Ben Jackson’s trusty Chingford Multi-Turf – Slazenger fortunes began to shift.
Jermane Cockerill’s neatly taken drag flick eased Slazenger nerves from their first penalty corner of the game and another goal soon followed, again from a strong Jermane drag flick, again placed low and hard to the left corner. A further goal also came from an effortless Amar Khalil strike into the roof of the net, but the pick of the first half strikes was surely the first of Adam “Baby Hits” Fall’s brace; a snap-hit from the top of the penalty circle that capped of a neat move and that even the best keepers in the league would have little chance saving.
Slaz – entering the half-time break 5-0 up – looked a far calmer and more composed side than had started the game, and their dominance continued into the second period. Further goals came from Danny Perry and Captain Jackson, who tormented the Leeds back line all game long, but a special mention must go to young Ollie Leonard whose standout performance was capped with his first of what will surely be many goals for the Mens 1s in only his second appearance.
Goalkeeper Lofty remained imperious throughout, despite not being regularly called into action, and is surely making a strong claim for the end of season clean sheet award having already notched up four before the end of January.
However, man of the match went to Adam Fall whose energy, enterprise and brace of goals propelled Slaz to a much deserved 8-0 victory.
Men’s 2nd’s (7) vs. (6) Sheffield 4th’s
Slazenger 2nd’s hosted table topping Sheffield 4th’s for their first game of 2025. With a strong record, Sheffield were a real challenge for the home side. Things looked bad, when Sheffield’s attacking front line put on early pressure, scoring through some individual skill, beating 3 slazenger defenders in the process. The game looked to be going south, when Sheffield’s front line strung a series of passing moves together to put a second and then a third goal on the board.
This was the kick that slazenger needed to get organised; beginning to play more of the passing hockey that helped them to a strong 2024 finish. The result of this was 2 goals netted by Richard Tuddenham. However, with several more chances going agonisingly close, or hitting the post, Slaz were not able to convert the other chances they had. By the end of the first half, Sheffield had added a further 2 goals to their tally from a further field goal and a penalty stroke.
The second half was a completely different game. Slaz came out with more aggression and energy. Tuddenham kicked off the scoring, with a well taken strike from open play. Sheffield fought back with a goal of their own, but Jack Sumner, Ben Graham and Richard Tuddenham all scored within 10 minutes to put Sheffield under pressure and equalise at 6-6.
It was Slaz who had the wind behind them at this point. The team dug deep and kept Sheffield under pressure, forcing errors and looking for the elusive winner. With five minutes remaining on the clock, the winner came from a surprising place. A penalty corner was won, and Matthew Green put the ball in the back of the net after a scramble in the goalmouth.
Men’s 3rd’s (6) vs. (1) Harrogate 4th’s
The mighty threes returned to action this weekend, welcoming Harrogate, who Slaz had beaten 4-1 in the first outing. A crisp January Saturday set the scene as Slazenger look to climb up the table. The game started as if there was no festive break for Slaz. Sharp passing between all 11 players led to a few good chances early on for Slaz, but nothing came from them. Harrogate grew into the game, winning the first short corner (controversially), but making nothing of it. Slaz won their first short corner nearly 20 minutes in, but timed it out, waiting too long to take it! However, soon came another short, and with it Slazenger’s first goal of the afternoon, the ball bundled in off the keeper following consecutive shots. Slaz piled on the pressure, winning more shorts and having more shots. Scott made it two after rebounding a strike from a short corner with eight minutes of the first half to play. Harrogate seemed to drop deeper and deeper, soaking up the Slaz attacks, yet no more goals were to be scored before the break. HT 2-0 Slaz
Following half time, Slazenger relentlessly attacked, and Damo made it three with a calm finish from yet another short corner. The heavy pressure seemed to work, a brilliant strike near the top of the D from Connor made it four to the good. The younger Slazenger attack buzzed around an aged Harrogate defence, and continued their mission to score. A great bit of hockey led to the fifth, Connor with a strong drive, laying it calmly to Owen, who dispatched it across D to Aleks, who slotted it round the keeper with complete composure. Slaz outclassed Harrogate in all aspects of the game, controlling the ball across midfield, defending well, and being nuisances in the attack. Against the run of play, Harrogate managed to win and convert a penalty flick, pulling one back with 10 to go, however there was no late comeback, and a great, marauding run down the right from Simon led to a classy goal for Scott in the middle of the D. Slaz saw the game out, and in the end, were the much better team overall. FT 6-1 Slaz.
Men’s 4th’s (4) vs. (1) Ben Rhydding 6th’s
The 4th team travelled to Ben Rhydding for their first game of 2025, coming away with a 4-1 victory. Goals came from Oliver Tuddenham (2), James Stevenson and John Sykes.
Development vs. Sheffield Bankers
Like many other teams the Slazenger Development had not played for many weeks, but it was not evident! The passing movement and support were outstanding. Shortly into the game Jess Lockwood charged down a defensive hit out, knocking the ball past the defender and put the ball neatly into the bottom corner! Both teams were evenly matched with Slazenger having most of the possession in the first and Sheffield Bankers in the second. Both teams came close to scoring several times but great defensive work and ninja keeping kept the visitors at bay, a thoroughly enjoyable game with Slazenger winning 1-0.
Ladies 1st’s (0) vs. (5) Sheffield 2nd’s
Slazenger ladies 1st’s lost out 5-0 at Abbeydale.
Ladies 2nd’s (1) vs. (2) Spen Valley 1st’s
It was a big game on Saturday with both teams wanting to take the 3 points and secure top of the league. In the first half Slaz were straight on it, and within 2 minutes of the game we were hitting Spen’s goal post. Spen then were quick on the rebound forcing Slaz to defend hard. Midway through the first half, Spen were awarded a short corner and after a first initial save by Erin, Spen managed to capitalise on the rebound and found the back of the net. Spen continued to pass well but the Slaz defence were solid and let nothing else through.
In the second half, Slaz stepped it up again, with some great strong hits down the line from Stacey. Spen continued to pass well getting through Slaz mids, but Bella was on hand to foil any goal attempts. After a break from Spen, there was a shot on goal which was saved, followed by a fight on the line between many players, which paid off for Spen who was awarded their second goal. Slaz was not yet defeated, and continued to fight back, and was eventually awarded a short corner. The first was saved, but was quickly awarded a second short. The second saw a straight strike from Stacey, which was possibly hit faster than the speed of light and rocketed into the goal. Slaz continued to battle and were dominating in Spens half and had chances but sadly nothing came from it. Final score 2-1. Player went to Bella for fantastic defending and game play.
Ladies 3rd’s (0) vs. (5) Aire Valley 2nd’s
The team’s preparation was less than ideal, with several players arriving only minutes before pushback. The main culprit was Donna Slack, whose “snail- like” driving caused a delay in getting everyone to the pitch on time. Aire Valley took full advantage and took an early lead, scoring within the first few minutes. Aire Valley appeared the stronger side and midway through the first half they doubled their advantage, and it seemed as though they were in full control of the game.
Despite this, Slazengers’ central defender Lisa Minchella stood out, putting in a commanding performance. Lisa was everywhere, closing down players, making crucial tackles, and distributing the ball with composure. However, disaster struck when defender Donna Slack used those feet to deny a goal. The resulting penalty flick was converted by Aire Valley, pushing the score to 3-0 just before halftime.
The second half saw Slazengers regroup, finding a bit more stability and form. They began to put pressure on the Aire Valley defence, with their youthful attackers making runs, creating space and taking shots on goal. Mia Davies came close several times narrowly missing the net by centimetres.
Goalkeeper Lauren Hattesley continued to play a vital role, pulling off some spectacular saves. One in particular, a diving stop to her left, saw her deny Aire Valley yet another chance, sending the ball wide of the post. Despite Slazengers’ improved performance in the second half, Aire Valley managed to add two more goals to their tally, sealing a 5-0 victory.
Player of the match was shared between Lisa Minchella and Lauren Hattesley. The team’s “Tart of the Match” title went to Lucy England for her dramatic fall (which somehow took an Aire Valley player down with her), but also for the memorable moment when she didn’t recognise her own car post-match.
Ladies 4th’s (3) vs. (1) City of York 7th’s
Ladies 4’s played York 7’s at home. Despite the cold, a double pitch inspection concluded the pitch was fit to play.
Slazengers came out strong but couldn’t quite find the net. Their perseverance paid off and a shot on goal led York to make the fatal error – a home goal! To make up for it, York went on the attack and soon equalised.
With some excellent skills upfront, Mandy Greenwood put Slazengers in the lead shortly before half time. Both teams played hard (to keep warm) and Slazengers were awarded a short corner, Becky Wade took the shot and in it went – only for to be disqualified. Unable to persuade the umpires otherwise, Slazengers kept going and Charlotte Young scored the 3rd and final goal. A good win for the 4’s – 3-1. Player – Mandy and Fran; Tart – Julie Bailey;
Under 16’s vs. City of York
Slazenger U16 girls after getting promoted at Christmas found it hard today going down 5-0 to a very well drilled York side. The Christmas break and the bad weather having stopped the girls practice for 5 weeks showing why training is essential to a team. The team work hard having a straight 11 players and used the match to trial some new formations with our CB Bella being given a much requested go as striker, where she did a great job chasing the ball down and giving York something to think about, again all the girls put in their all with some great saves from Keeper Tori, endless running by Eliz, Rebecca and Phoebe in midfield and some real pressing by Annie and Millie. So let’s get back to training!
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