Bounce-backs, comebacks and a clean sheet to remember
There was plenty of character on show across Slazenger this weekend. The results were mixed, but three themes stood out: teams responding to setbacks, comebacks from difficult positions, and some very encouraging signs of development across the club.
The biggest response came from the Men’s 3rds. After last week’s 17–7 defeat, they travelled to Bradford determined to put things right, and they did so in some style. A 6–0 victory, a first clean sheet in more than a year and two hat-tricks from Aleksander Thompson and John Sykes made for quite the transformation. Aleks and John took the headlines with three goals apiece, but the defensive performance was just as important, with Sammy Parkin barely troubled in goal and the midfield and defence keeping Bradford firmly under control.
The Ladies 1sts showed a different kind of resilience. Two goals down early against Pocklington, they gradually found their rhythm and fought their way back into the game. Louise Haigh pulled one back before Amelia Sykes reacted quickest to a short-corner rebound to level the scores at 2–2. The comeback was built around some excellent work from the younger players too, with their movement and skills creating problems for the Pocklington defence. A point on the road was a deserved reward for a much-improved second half.
There was another comeback in the Development side, who recovered from an early Sheffield goal to secure an impressive 2–1 away win. The defensive organisation was particularly strong, while the team’s press grew as the game progressed. Amelia Sykes scored both goals, including a well-worked equaliser from a short corner, but this was very much a collective effort. Harry Roberts, the youngest player on the pitch, earned special praise for repeatedly disrupting Sheffield’s more experienced players, while a five-way Player of the Match award underlined just how much of a team performance it was.
The Men’s 1sts also deserve credit for competing strongly despite travelling with a depleted squad. They recovered from going behind to level through Asad Baig and remained dangerous on the counter throughout, ultimately losing 2–1 to Driffield after a second short-corner goal. There were clear positives despite the result, particularly the way the side stuck to its game plan. Elsewhere, the Men’s 2nds made it a winning weekend with a 3–1 victory over Rotherham, while the Ladies 2nds and 4ths had tougher afternoons against strong opposition.
It wasn’t a perfect weekend on the scoreboard, but there was plenty to celebrate. From a remarkable turnaround for the Men’s 3rds to two senior comebacks and a Development side showing real maturity, showed that progress isn’t always measured simply by the final score.
For match reports in details take a look below:
Squad: A. Baig, S. Chamberlain (⭐), A. Fall, H. Firth, I. Fisher (Capt), I. Hedges, J. Ingham, B. Jackson, A. Khalil, O. Leonard, A. Loftus (GK), L. Smith
Match Report
Slaz men's 1s travelled to Driffield for their first away game for the season with a depleted side but hopes of keeping their perfect start to the new campaign in tact.
Despite going 1-0 down earlier, Slaz rallied well and stuck to their counter-attacking plan well throughout the first-half, with Jordan Ingham battling well to win a penalty corner that was calmly scored by Asad Baig. Slaz went into the break deservedly level.
And many of the same patterns of play were evident throughout the second half, where Slaz once again defended staunchly and tried to make the most of opportunities on the counter. Unfortunately, it would not prove to be their day, as Driffield converted a short corner opportunity and Slaz spurned a number of good chances.
The final result was 2-1 to Driffield, but there were positive signs that Slaz were so competitive despite so many players missing.
Squad: M. Birkett, O. Coughtrey, A. Drake, B. Graham, M. Green, J. Lee, S. Roberts (Capt), J. Sumner, J. Swinden, J. Walker (GK), J. Whawell, O. Wiper (⭐), P. Wiper
Match Report
The mens 2’s had their first home game of the season on Saturday coming away with a solid 3-1 victory against Rotherham. The customary slow start allowed Rotherham to take an early lead but an equaliser was quickly found, Jimmy Swindon converting a short corner. Slaz continued to press resulting in another short corner. This time Swindon’s flick was saved bravely on the line by a defender. Unfortunately he used his face to make the save resulting in a penalty stroke. The Rotherham keeper stood firm however making the save taking us into the half at 1-1.
Slaz pressed in the second half creating a number of chances. The breakthrough came midway through the half when Ben Graham deflected a strike past the keeper. A goal that extends his remarkable goal scoring streak to 31 consecutive seasons. Owen Wiper capped a man of the match performance with a well taken goal to put the result beyond doubt. Slaz will travel to local rivals Wakefield on Saturday looking to build on a good start to the season.
Squad: T. Armitage, D. Bailey, T. Carr, W. Carr, S. Carruthers (Capt), S. Hoole, M. Kitchen, S. Parkin (GK), D. Sanderson, J. Sanderson, J. Sykes, S. Taylor, A. Thompson (⭐)
Match Report
It was a warm late-summer day in Bradford, and the Slazenger travelling away from Horbury arrived very, very early. Captain Scott had clearly decided that after last week’s rather unfortunate 17–7 defeat, the squad needed a little extra time for preparation. No cutting corners this week — the full beauty regime was required!
First came the preparation: plenty of warm-up, a generous application of determination, and perhaps a little concealer to hide the memories of last week. Slazenger 3’s were ready to face the day looking fresh, confident and, most importantly, ready to play.
From the first whistle, Slazenger looked like a team that had spent the week working on its skincare routine. Calm, composed and thoroughly cleansed of any defensive worries from the previous match.
The opening exchanges were competitive, but the visitors soon found their rhythm. John Sykes opened the scoring, giving Slazenger the perfect first layer of foundation.
Then came Aleks, adding the second goal and making sure the away side had a healthy glow going into the break.
Behind them, the midfield beauty team was working wonders. Seth, Will and Jack were absolutely superb, tackling with confidence and composure throughout the match. They were the hockey equivalent of a perfectly applied moisturiser — smooth, reliable and providing exactly the protection required!
And while the attack was doing the glamorous work, Trev and super Simon were quietly getting on with the serious business at the back. Their defensive work was so effective that goalkeeper Sammy barely had a blemish to deal with, making just one exceptional save all afternoon on his way to a well-deserved clean sheet.
The second half began with Bradford coming out on the front foot, but Slazenger weren’t about to let their beautifully prepared performance unravel.
Instead, Aleks quickly restored order, grabbing another goal shortly after the restart. And just when everyone thought his beauty routine was complete, he added another to complete his hat-trick!
The Slazenger attack was now positively glowing. Sykes wasn’t going to let Aleks have all the attention. He returned to the spotlight to score the visitors’ fifth, before adding a sixth to complete his own hat-trick and a little glow-up of his own.
Two hat-tricks. Six goals. One incredibly clean sheet.
It was less a hockey match and more a full afternoon at the Slazenger Beauty Clinic.
Throughout the second half, Seth, Dan, Will and Jack continued to dazzle. Their tackling was assured, their passing composed and their confidence growing with every minute. They provided the perfect supporting spa treatment to the more glamorous goal-scoring exploits up front.
At the back, Trev and super Simon continued their outstanding defensive proving to be the team’s micellar water: removing whatever Bradford threw at them.
And so, after last week’s 17–7 setback, Slazenger completed their transformation in spectacular fashion.
By the end of the afternoon, Slazenger had produced the complete package:
6 goals.
0 conceded.
First clean sheet in over a year.
Two hat-tricks.
One very happy squad.
A fabulous team performance from start to finish. The squad clearly arrived early, applied the correct products, followed the regime and emerged looking absolutely radiant.
Next week, the beauty tour comes home as we get the face masks ready as Harrogate visit Slaz.
Squad: M. Allott, M. Brearley, R. Bullimore, R. Green, L. Haigh, L. Howarth, E. Kirk-Smith, M. Lambert, N. Swinden, A. Sykes (⭐), S. Sykes (Capt), F. Tyrrell, E. Williams, G. Wilson (GK)
Match Report
🎄 LESS THAN 100 DAYS ‘TIL CHRISTMAS! 🎄
Pocklington 2–2 Slazenger Ladies 1s | Away
With less than 100 days until Christmas, the Ladies 1s clearly decided it was still far too early to be out of bed on a dreary Saturday morning! 🎅🏼☕ It took Slaz a little while to wake up, and Pocklington wasted no time taking advantage, scoring two goals in quick succession.
Thankfully, the 1s eventually found their Christmas spirit! WOOP – Gemma was back between the sticks! 🥳 She pulled off some fantastic saves to keep Slaz in the game while the defence regrouped. Emma, Nicci and Marissa brought plenty of experience at the back, shutting down further Pocklington attacks and giving Slaz the platform to push forward.
Despite battling a rather festive-season cold, Eliz put in a great performance, while some excellent passing through the 16-yard area between Emma, Amelia and Frankie released Lou, who finished brilliantly from a tight angle to get Slaz back into the game. 🎄
From there, the team found their rhythm and started to play some lovely hockey. The juniors showed that Thursday training is clearly paying off, with some excellent cutting, movement and skills to work their way past the Pocklington defence. We may just need a small Christmas reminder to get our feet around the ball and stop it on our open stick! 🎁
Ruth, Millie and Lou linked up well defensively, while Melissa worked tirelessly to connect the midfield and attack. Frankie put in a huge shift throughout the game, helping to control the midfield alongside Lucy, Amelia and Melissa.
At half time, the focus was on improving the press and making sure we took quick free hits. Marissa listened to the brief and delivered, taking some excellent early free hits and putting Pocklington under pressure. 👏
The second half brought plenty more determination from Slaz. Amelia produced one of the runs of the game, picking the ball up on the 25 and driving all the way into the opposition D. She earned a free hit just outside the circle, which was played through to Rebecca.
Rebecca showed some silky skills to work her way into the D and win a short corner. The initial effort was saved, but Amelia was quickest to react to the rebound and fired it home! 2–2! 🥅🔥
Costa earned! ☕
From 2–0 down, Slaz fought their way back to secure a well-earned point. There were plenty of positives to take, particularly from the juniors, who showed some brilliant skills and development from training.
A slow start, a strong comeback and a point on the road — not a bad Saturday morning after all!
🎅🏼 Christmas countdown: 96 days…
🏑 Final score: Pocklington 2–2 Slazenger Ladies 1s
Player: amelia
Tart: frankie
Squad: M. Davis, M. Davis, S. Drake, L. Fealy, N. Frith (Capt), R. Furniss, M. Glover, S. Glover (⭐), K. Knighton (GK), A. Lee, J. Lockwood, C. Rowley, G. Syrett, A. Wallace
Match Report
The ladies 2nd's were on the losing end of a 7 goal reversal against a clinical City of York 3rd's. The kind of rough performance which can only be remedied with wine. Sian Glover took player of the match, the rest of the game, let's say is better left forgotten to history!
Squad: J. Bailey, M. Bailey, T. Beverley, J. Birkett, B. Buckley (⭐), C. Ferguson, K. Goddard, M. Greenwood, P. Mitchell, J. Morris, S. Paveley (GK), E. Roberts, P. Thackrah, G. Wroe (Capt)
Match Report
Ladies 4s had another tough fixture this week, this time facing Selby 2s, who were recently relegated.
The standout performances came in midfield, with May, Phoebe and Justine battling hard throughout the game. Beth also put in an unbelievable shift, working tirelessly, linking up brilliantly with the team and creating several chances. Her efforts earned her a well-deserved Player of the Match award.
It was an end-to-end game, with both teams creating opportunities. Unfortunately, Selby were the only side able to convert their chances, eventually walking away with a 4–0 victory.
A huge well done and thank you to Sarah Paveley for stepping up and taking one for the team by going in goal!
Squad: A. Clark (⭐), E. Clark, O. Clark, G. Firth (⭐), N. Flemming (GK), A. Hodgson (⭐), A. Hodgson, H. Roberts, N. Saunders (⭐), A. Sykes (⭐), M. Sykes, G. Syrett, K. Syrett, G. Wroe (Capt)
Match Report
A really enjoyable away game for the Slazenger Development team coming away from Abbeydale with a 2–1 win after a competitive game against Sheffield. 💚🏑
After a delayed start, Sheffield caught us early to take a 1–0 lead, but Slaz settled into the game with some fantastic defensive work. Gemma S commanded the back line with total composure, Georgie held her line against a rapid winger, and Katie sparked our right-flank attacks with sharp cross-D interceptions. Our Ninja Nikolai was always ready for any opposition shots coming his way!
In the 2nd quarter, our press clicked into gear. Amelie and Etta worked hard in midfield, while Etta teamed up with Amelia to track back and break up a dangerous 3-on-1 counter. Gemma W added some vital stability when stepping into defence, allowing Katie to push up the pitch.
Then came the equaliser! The team earnt a short corner, and a well practiced short corner, saw Matthew inject to Noah, who played a clever pass inside for Amelia to finish.
The 3rd quarter saw plenty of pressure from Slaz. Alistair and Noah were driving into the D and winning short corners, while Harry — our youngest player on the pitch — put in an absolute masterclass! Harry repeatedly channelled and disrupted Sheffield's older, more experienced players to break up their attacks.
With 4 minutes left in the 4th, Alistair turned his defender inside to win another short corner. A lightning-fast zip injection set up Amelia to for her second of the day.
Sheffield pushed hard late on, but some great flat-stick tackles and smart game management saw us hold on until the final whistle. Shout out to the Sheffield GK who was playing his first game as goalkeeper - pulling off some great saves!
Huge shoutout to the whole squad for a brilliant team effort, and speedy recovery to Ollie after pulling his hamstring! 👴🏻
🏆 Player of the match was a five way tie - which showed the total team effort today. Well done Alistair, Amelie, Georgie, Noah and Amelia!
🍩 Donut of the day: Ollie
As always it was another sunny welcome from our hosts at Sheffield ☀️💚 and another 10/10 chip butty tea! 🍟
Two weeks in a row — winner winner, chips for dinner! 😂
Thanks Sheffield for the hospitality and a lovely afternoon of hockey. 💚🏑
