Men’s 1st’s (5) vs. (8) Rotherham 1st’s
Slazenger Men’s 1s travelled to league leaders Rotherham for a midday pushback, fully aware they were in for a tough test. The hosts started brightly, opening the scoring early with a well-executed short corner routine. Momentum stayed with Rotherham as they doubled their lead with a superb strike into the top corner, before adding a third from another training-ground short corner.
Despite the early setback, Slazenger refused to let their heads drop. Their perseverance paid off when Joe Michella fired home a brilliant drag flick to get the visitors on the board. Moments later, Ingham was on hand at the back post to tap in Slazenger’s second, pulling the game back to a far more manageable margin.
At half time, Slazenger regrouped and adjusted their approach, shifting into a deeper press in an effort to regain control and slow Rotherham’s attacking threat. Unfortunately, the second half took a different turn. A succession of questionable decisions from the officials disrupted Slazenger’s rhythm and composure, leading to frustration on the pitch and a lapse in structure.
What followed was a scrappy, disjointed period of play from both sides, with goals continuing to flow in a chaotic end-to-end contest. Despite Slazenger’s determination and continued scoring efforts, Rotherham maintained their advantage, eventually running out 8–5 winners.
A tough result, but plenty of character shown—and positives to carry into next week.
Men’s 2nd’s (4) vs. (1) Lindum 4th’s
It was the final game before Christmas. Slaz had been playing some of their best hockey in recent games and were looking to put last weeks defeat to rest. Slaz started a lot more tentatively this week, and took some time to jet into the game. The first 10 minutes had flashes of the old team, rushed passes, forced long balls and invited pressure into themselves. However as time went on, they settled into playing better, structured hockey. With the more structured hockey came more scoring opportunities. Ben Jackson created the first, beating the defence with a mazy run, squaring the ball to Ian Hedges, who tapped it in at the back post. Slaz settled, and with some composed midfield work led by ‘man of the match’, captain Ste Roberts, the team looked more organised going into the break 1-0 ahead.
In the second half the team looked leaner and keener; moving the ball around with more pace and intent. This was awarded with a string of attacking opportunities, including a short corner. Up stepped Adam “The Torpedo” Drake, who coolly dispatched the short with a well taken strike into the bottom corner. Ben Jackson had spent a good part of the game warming up the goalkeeper with his gentle shooting, but the second half was different This time, finishing another trademark blistering run with a clean strike, to make it 3-0.
Lindum were not going to roll over and battled back into the game; some lapse defensive work from Slazenger allowed them in to convert, closing the gap and denying James Walker a deserved clean sheet. However Slaz were not done yet, with time still on the clock, Ian Hedges orchestrated an attacking move, from deep within the Slazenger half, and was on hand in the circle to smash the ball into the net from close range when the goalkeeper had cleared Ben Jackson’s first shot.
A good result for the 2nd’s as they go into the Christmas break. Merry Christmas everyone!
Men’s 3rd’s (1) vs. (3) Halifax 3rd’s
Slazenger welcomed Halifax for a pre-Christmas clash that promised hockey, heroics, and at least questionable festive jokes. From the whistle, however, it was the visitors unwrapping all the early presents. Within 20 minutes Halifax had bundled in two goals—both arriving with the subtlety of an excited child at 5 a.m. on Christmas morning.
Slazenger nearly responded when striker Tim Carr found himself one-on-one with the keeper, only to send his effort high and wide —rumour has it the ball is currently orbiting the North Pole. Moments later, winger Will Carr thought he’d grabbed a goal, but the umpire channelled his inner Scrooge and disallowed it, for a Slaz foot in the D.
Captain Damian Greig then added a splash of festive drama. After being steamrolled by a particularly shiny-headed Halifax defender—so bald he could have doubled as a Christmas bauble—Greig’s retaliatory bah humbug earned him a green card and two minutes in the Naughty Corner. Halifax took full advantage, adding a third before the break to make it 3–0 at halftime.
Whatever was in Slazenger’s halftime mince pies, it worked. The home side emerged like a team possessed—faster, fiercer, and finally playing hockey instead of gift-giving. Owen Wiper dazzled with footwork so slick it could have been on ice; Dan Bailey and Jack Sanderson bossed the midfield like over-caffeinated elves; and Aidy Buckley and Seth Hoole sprayed passes around with festive generosity (the good kind).
The pressure built, and eventually Simon Taylor delivered the moment the crowd wanted—smashing a glorious shot into the net with enough power to light up the Christmas tree. At 3–1, the comeback was on. Slazenger pushed, pressed, and threw everything forward short of an inflatable Santa, but Halifax held firm. Despite the late surge, the match finished Slazenger 1–3 Halifax.
Now, with stockings ready and sticks soon to rest, Slazenger look forward to the Christmas break—promising to return in the New Year refreshed, recharged, and hopefully facing fewer bald battering rams. Merry Christmas!
Men’s 4th’s
Game cancelled – Huddersfield struck down with the flu.
Ladies 1st’s (3) vs. (1) Scarborough 1st’s
On a December afternoon that couldn’t quite decide what it wanted to be, Slazengers stepped out onto a drizzly pitch that, in true Christmas-miracle fashion, soon transformed into bright, golden sunshine. The shifting weather set the tone for a lively, spirited and occasionally chaotic festive clash. Slazengers opened confidently, their defence stringing together some seriously slick baubles – sorry, balls – around the back, with Emma, Eliz and Tilda calmly recycling possession like seasoned Christmas elves in a toy workshop.
Their early dominance soon paid off. A sharp 1–2 down the right wing between Zoe and Tilda sliced through Scarborough’s defence, the ball then slipped into the D by Frankie. Alys’ first shot was smothered by the keeper, but she was having none of it—coolly flicking the rebound in off her reverse stick. 1–0 Slaz.
The pressure continued to build like presents under the tree. Hannah’s quick play and Millie’s relentless pressing earned a string of penalty corners—one of which featured Hannah making a collection of groaning noises reminiscent of a malfunctioning reindeer backing up a sleigh.
Despite Slaz’ majority possession, Scarborough found a lucky break. A free high player slipped through and converted, levelling the match at 1–1, much against the run of play. But the response was instant and glorious. Hannah spotted Coops dashing across the pitch on a brilliant run. A perfectly timed pass found her stick, and her cross into the D was met by Millie, who swept it home on the reverse. 2–1 Slaz at halftime.
Slazengers returned from the break determined to keep the festive momentum going. They earned a sleigh-full of short corners, though none quite found the back of the net. Scarborough managed a couple of their own, but the Slaz defence stood solid—Marissa even clearing one off her back with complete composure.
Frankie continued to steal more balls than the Grinch on Christmas Eve, snapping up loose passes in midfield. Bella and Rebecca worked tirelessly, supporting the press and keeping Slaz ticking forward. The final breakthrough came from another wave of attacking pressure. Millie held the ball beautifully as she drove into the D, her shot rebounding kindly off the keeper. Zoe swooped in and flicked it home with festive flair. 3–1 Slaz.
The score remained 3–1 as the sun set on a gritty, energetic and entertaining match. Slazengers closed out the year in style, combining creativity, hard work and a touch of Christmas magic. Final Score: Slazengers 3 – 1 Scarborough. And with that, sticks are down, shin pads off, and it’s time for a well-earned Christmas break. Merry Christmas, Slaz!
Ladies 2nd’s (0) vs. (3) Sheffield 3rd’s
Slazengers endured a turbulent start in their latest clash against Sheffield, eventually falling to a 3–0 defeat despite a determined and much-improved second-half performance. The opening minutes were nothing short of chaotic, with Sheffield striking in the first minute and immediately putting Slaz on the back foot. The home team dominated the early stages, pressing high and controlling possession, and it wasn’t long before a second goal followed—again from open play. With Sheffield firmly in control, Slaz struggled to settle, and a third goal arrived within the first 15 minutes.
Gradually, Slazengers began to find their rhythm. Passages of composed team play emerged, including a strong run up the wing that lifted spirits. A short corner offered hope, but the opportunity slipped away. As the half drew to a close, Slaz mounted an excellent attack down the right, only for a player to be taken out just as a clear goal-scoring chance opened. Much to Slazengers’ frustration, no penalty flick was awarded. The second half saw a completely different Slazengers side. More composed and connected, they strung together some confident passing phases despite battling a wet, skiddy, and unpredictable pitch. Sheffield managed a few breaks of their own, but the Slaz defence held firm, shutting down every advance.
Several short corners gave Slaz a chance to claw back a goal, with Lou unleashing a particularly powerful strike, but Sheffield’s keeper held strong. Fatigue began to show late on, yet Slazengers refused to give in, pushing forward for a late consolation and keeping the ball moving end to end. While no goals were added in the second half, Slazengers can take heart from their resilience and teamwork after a punishing opening spell. The performance may not have yielded points, but it showed character—and something solid to build on for the next match.
Ladies 3rd’s (3) vs. (1) Wakefield 4th’s
Slazengers Ladies 3s welcomed local derby rivals Wakefield 4s at home, determined to set the record straight after losing the away leg earlier in the season. The home side made the perfect start, going 1–0 up inside the first 10 minutes. Reliable centre forward Caro Scofield was on hand to fire home after a scramble in the D.
Slazengers looked cohesive throughout the pitch, with midfielders and attackers linking up impressively. Standout performer Mollie Glover was immense in midfield, making strong tackles and showing real composure on the ball despite the obvious physicality of the Wakefield side. Her dominant display quite rightly earned her Player of the Match. The lead was doubled soon after when Evie Mollart once again showed her instinct for being in the right place at the right time, reacting quickest when a short-corner routine broke down to slot the ball home for 2–0.
Wakefield managed to respond with a well-taken breakaway goal to make it 2–1, and the tension rose just before half-time when they were awarded a contentious penalty flick. Keeper Lauren Hattersley stepped up, and the pressure told – the Wakefield player pushed the flick wide, preserving Slazengers’ lead going into the break. Wakefield came out strong in the second half, applying early pressure in search of an equaliser and forcing Hattersley into an important save. However, it was Slazengers who truly shone, with every player putting in strong individual performances while working superbly as a unit.
As Wakefield’s frustration began to show, the game turned into a series of lively physical battles, with plenty of pushing and shoving in the defensive circle. Nicole Fillingham and Lisa Minchella found themselves right in the thick of it, locked in shoulder-to-shoulder contests, both players more than matched the challenge, standing firm with composed defending and crucial interventions.
The sealing moment came when Slazengers broke down the right. The ball found its way to Ellie Page, who showcased her skill and confidence, dribbling past defenders before hammering the ball home from a narrow angle to secure a brilliant third goal and a deserved 3–1 victory. A fantastic all-round team performance capped off a memorable derby win for Slazengers Ladies 3s.
Ladies 4 (0) vs. (12) University of Leeds 5
Slazengers ladies 4s travelled to Weetwood to face an unbeaten University of Leeds 5s. The University of Leeds squad were relentless, dominated possession and were extremely well drilled across the whole pitch. Slazengers (with the minimal possession they had) did play some good hockey; Tori made some amazing clearances, Emily who ended up dizzy from the amount UoLs stand out players turned on her and Poppy who made some outstanding tackles. Slazengers were unable to break through the University of Leeds defence. Final score University of Leeds 5s 12-0 Slazenger 4s
Development (2) vs. (0) Chapeltown
With tinsel in our hair and just enough players to fill Santa’s sleigh, we arrived at Chapeltown with only 11 festive warriors — but what an eleven they were! Despite being out-sized by the opposition (think elves versus giants), our team started like they’d been fuelled by pure Christmas magic. Settling quicker than snow on Christmas Eve, the team earned an early short corner. Noah, cool as a Christmas cucumber, slipped the ball to Matthew who tucked it past the keeper with the elegance of sliding a present under the tree — 1-0 to us!
The midfield of John, Noah, Amelia and Izzy played like Santa’s finest toy-makers, producing chance after chance. Out wide, Cerys and Jess kept their width like garlands stretching across a mantelpiece, feeding Matthew up top in his high CF role. Chapeltown came knocking, earning three short corners, but Super Ninja Nikolai — clearly on loan from the North Pole — produced three spectacular saves, keeping our clean sheet sparkling.
At the back, our festive fortress of T-Dog, Katie and Georgie made crucial stops, blocking Chapeltown from entering the D as firmly as a bouncer guards Santa’s workshop. Chapeltown emerged after halftime full of fire, testing our defence with some excellent play. But Nikolai, surely fuelled by mince pies and magic dust, refused to let anything past him — finishing the game with a well-earned clean sheet. Georgie, Katie and T-Dog held strong, with John helping clear danger out wide. Izzy and Amelia ran tirelessly through the midfield snow, Noah popping up everywhere to make crunching tackles like the Nutcracker himself.
Jess worked brilliantly down the left, teaming with Amelia, who both put in an incredible shift despite not feeling 100% — the spirit of Christmas carried them through! Matthew created chances with clever movement, repeatedly challenging a goalkeeper twice his size. Another short corner brought more festive cheer. Matthew rounded the GK, only for a Chapeltown foot to stop the shot on the line. Penalty flick!Noah stepped up, stared down a keeper double his size, and coolly slotted home — 2-0! Down the right, Izzy and Cerys paired up beautifully, like Rudolph and Dasher leading an attack straight toward goal.
With no subs on a frosty December day, every player showed true heart, grit, and festive spirit right until the very end. Huge thanks to Chapeltown for a well-spirited match — a lovely fixture all round.
🍟 Teas: 9/10
Chip butties the size of stockings and a warm, welcoming clubhouse atmosphere — Santa approves.
⭐ Player of the Match: Votes for Nikolai and Katie, but the star on top of today’s tree is Georgie! Only her second time in defence, and she absolutely owned it – showing that the second Firth in the family might just turn out to be the better defender!
🍩 Donut of the Day: Amelia… again! That’s four in a row — she’s officially on a roll (pun absolutely intended).
🎄 Well played everyone — a true Christmas miracle of teamwork, spirit and heart! 🎄
U10 Boys A Team Tournement Report – Division 2
Slazengers delivered a series of strong team performances across four competitive matches, opening with an excellent 2–0 win over Wakefield thanks to two composed finishes from Dom and impressive defensive organisation throughout. A hard-fought 1–1 draw with York followed, with Dom again on target after clever build-up play from Theo, while Jackson made a crucial late save to secure the point. Despite narrow 0–1 defeats to both Sheffield and Barnsley, the team showed resilience, creativity and determination, creating several key chances and defending bravely under pressure.
Slazengers 2–0 Wakefield
Slazengers delivered a confident and hard-working performance to claim a 2–0 win over Wakefield, showing strength in defence and creativity in attack from start to finish. The game opened with excellent defensive work from Harry who repeatedly won the ball and played it out calmly to Matthew. Matthew linked well with the well-positioned Alfie helping Slazengers push forward with purpose. George provided strong pressure high up the pitch forcing Wakefield into rushed passes and turnovers. Early chances came through Alfie and Dom, both testing the Wakefield goalkeeper. Theo broke up play with several well-timed tackles, keeping Slazengers in control of midfield battles. The first breakthrough arrived after a lovely pass from Matthew who picked out Dom perfectly for a composed finish. Slazengers continued to build momentum with Dylan working hard in the D to shut down Wakefield attacks. Matthew fought fiercely to win key challenges, while Harry again intercepted well to send Dom through for another attempt on goal. The second goal came from outstanding team play: a strong, confident cross from Alfie found Dom who guided the ball home to double the lead. There was nearly a third when Dylan smashed in a powerful strike but the goal unfortunately didn’t stand as the whistle had already been blown. Slazengers maintained control to the final whistle, securing a well-deserved victory built on teamwork, effort and intelligent play.
Slazengers 1–1 York
Slazengers delivered a hardworking and energetic performance in their 1–1 draw against York, with every player contributing to a competitive end-to-end match. Matthew set the tone early with a lovely dribble and a dangerous cross into the goal area keeping the York defence alert. He continued to be influential throughout, making strong tackles, key battles and a vital clearance that broke down a promising York attack. Dylan put in a determined shift, making several important tackles that stopped York from building momentum. Harry was similarly tenacious, winning numerous battles and driving the team forward. One of his strong passes into the D found Dom who battled hard and worked towards goal and another powerful drive set up yet another shooting opportunity. York took the lead and tried for a second but were stopped by George who intercepted the ball and linked play smartly, combining with Theo and Matthew in a flowing move that led to another Slazengers chance. Theo impressed with his awareness and excellent positioning, picking up loose balls and showing composure under pressure. His smart play allowed him to feed Dom for the Slazengers equaliser and he continued to apply good pressure and tackles throughout the match. Alfie provided consistent width on the wing, always well positioned to receive the ball and drive towards the D stretching the York defence and creating attacking opportunities. Dom was at the heart of the action up front scoring the crucial goal and firing multiple attempts on target keeping the York goalkeeper busy. At the back, Jackson produced a crucial save late in the match to keep his team in the game. Overall, it was a strong team performance full of effort, determination and some excellent passages of play.
Slazengers 0–1 Sheffield
Slazengers put in a determined performance despite a narrow 0–1 defeat to Sheffield with plenty of positives across the pitch. The game began with a good run and send of the ball from Theo helping Slazengers build early momentum. Harry applied strong pressure forcing mistakes while Jackson produced an excellent save to keep the scores level. When the rebound threatened danger Matthew reacted quickly to clear the ball away from goal. Sheffield continued to push but Jackson stood firm with another important save. Slazengers hit back on the counter when Alfie made a sharp interception and drove forward shifting the tempo. In midfield Dom battled strongly winning challenges and helping relieve pressure. Jackson was called into action once more and he handled the threat confidently. A moment of calm under pressure came when Dom delivered a lovely clearance keeping Sheffield at bay. Shortly after Matthew intercepted well and even created an attempt on goal showing great awareness. Despite Slazengers’ resilience, Sheffield eventually broke through and scored the game’s only goal. Slazengers refused to drop their heads—Jackson added yet another save and Harry picked up the ball and drove forward to launch an attack. Dylan and George put in strong tackles and applied great pressure preventing further danger. Despite the result, the team showed impressive determination, organisation, and teamwork.
Slazengers 0 vs 1 Barnsley
Slazengers put on a spirited and creative performance showing determination across the pitch despite falling to a narrow 0–1 defeat against Barnsley. The match began with some excellent link-up play highlighted by a lovely pass from Harry to Matthew leading to an early attempt on goal. Barnsley responded quickly capitalising on a rare opening to score the only goal of the game. Slazengers kept pushing. Alfie produced a brilliant pick-up and drive feeding Matthew for another strong attempt. Moments later, Matthew delivered a superb cross with Dom only narrowly missing the finishing touch. Matthew remained at the centre of the action firing in more attempts and dazzling with some fancy footwork setting up chances for both Harry and Dom. At the back, Jackson stayed composed calmly watching a dangerous ball travel wide. Theo applied great pressure in midfield while George put in several strong well-timed tackles to break down Barnsley attacks. Alfie then whipped in another cross chased down determinedly by Dylan keeping Slazengers on the front foot. Harry made a crucial interception and drove the ball down the pitch finding Matthew in the D who forced a defender’s foot and earned Slazengers a valuable opportunity. The game ended with a massive final attempt on goal by Matthew that skimmed just wide leaving Slazengers inches from a deserved equaliser. A strong team performance full of creativity, determination and relentless effort.
Massive well done to all the boys for their relentless hard work and the battles they fought in every game.
Player(s) of the Tournament:
Theo – Incredible effort, great tackling, clever positioning and non-stop pressure all day.
Alfie – His work rate was exceptional throughout the day, he picked up the ball confidently, drove forward with purpose, and delivered several excellent passes and crosses that set up key chances for the team. Well deserved to both boys!
U10 Girls A Team Tournament Report – Division 2
Slazengers U10 Girls A Team finished their final tournament of the year in style at Wakefield, competing in Division 2 and going unbeaten with three wins, one draw, and no goals conceded.
They opened with a 1–0 victory over Harrogate 1s. Penny broke down the right wing and delivered a well-placed cross to Izzy, who finished confidently after latching onto her own through ball.
A tight contest followed against Adel 1s, ending in a goalless draw. Slazenger created the better chances but couldn’t find the breakthrough, while at the other end Frances produced a stunning backwards save to tip the ball wide and preserve the clean sheet.
The third fixture brought another hard-fought win, this time 1–0 against York 2s. Ella struck decisively from the top of the D, and that moment of quality proved enough.
The team saved their most clinical performance for the final match, beating Ben Rhydding 2s 2–0. Penny opened the scoring with a composed finish after driving into the right side of the D, before turning provider with a cross to Maci, whose powerful shot went through the keeper.
It was an excellent all-round team display. Frances was rock-solid in goal; Maia defended with strength and composure; and Ella dictated the play from central midfield, working tirelessly in both directions. Sophie and Hattie shared wing duties, marking tightly and linking play well. Izzy pressed relentlessly up front, while Maci made a brilliant return to hockey, showing no signs of rust.
Penny was deservedly named Slazenger’s Player of the Tournament, contributing two assists, a goal and a series of driving runs down the right flank.
U10 Mixed Team Match Report
Slazengers 2 vs 1 Adel 3
Slazengers started the tournament with a hard-fought win against Adel 3. James was outstanding in goal, making a brilliant stick save early on. The team applied relentless pressure in Adel’s defensive third, capitalizing on their lack of a keeper. Max was clinical, scoring two fantastic goals, while Adel managed to score on the counter-attack. Emily impressed with solid, reliable tackling throughout the match, helping Slazengers maintain control and composure.
Slazengers 1 vs 1 Adel 2
The second encounter with Adel saw James once again shining between the sticks, making a string of excellent saves. Ev showed great skill on an attacking run, and Max’s determination paid off as he swept the ball into the back of the net. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, reflecting the competitive spirit and attacking flair of the team.
Slazengers 0 vs 6 Wakefield
Slazengers faced a tough challenge against Wakefield, eventually losing 6-0. Despite the scoreline, the team worked tirelessly across the pitch with strong tackling, smart interceptions, and dynamic attacking play. Wakefield managed to catch Slazengers off guard a few times, but James made several remarkable saves, keeping the team in the game.
Scarlet had an excellent first tournament, showing strong tackling and intelligent positioning. Henry ran tirelessly, providing support and making crucial tackles. Heidi delivered solid tackles and efficient roll-outs. Evelyn impressed with her attacking runs and dependable defensive play. Max drove forward with attacking intent, scoring multiple goals throughout the tournament. Emily was consistent with her tackling and distribution, helping control the game.
James, playing his first tournament in goal, was outstanding, making critical saves with both stick and feet, keeping Slazenger competitive. For his efforts, James was deservedly named Player of the Tournament.
U14 Mixed
Our mixed U14 squad took on strong Sheffield and York teams today — and despite many of the players never having played together before, they absolutely clicked on the pitch! Two quality performances and plenty of exciting hockey on show.
Star of the weekend: GK Nikolai with two clean sheets today after his clean sheet in Saturday’s Development game. Outstanding!
Rock-solid defence: Amelia L, Noah and Zach were calm and composed, making crucial tackles and clearing danger with confidence.
Hard-working midfield: Amelia S, Alys, Lauren, Mollie, Nate and Will covered the pitch, supporting the defence and driving us forward.
Constant attacking threat: Jess, Arina & Captain Owen kept the pressure on all day, creating chances and stretching both opposition defences.
Slaz vs Sheffield
3–0 WIN
🥅 Goals: Jess (2), Mollie
Slaz vs York
4–0 WIN
Goals: Will (2), Jess, Arina
A brilliant effort from the whole squad — superb teamwork, great spirit, and two well-deserved wins!
