Slazenger Hockey Club

Barnsley

Report: 15-01-2011 – Mens 4th’s (2) vs (5) Barnsley Dev.

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Slazenger’s first league game since the Christmas break was a spirited affair against Barnsley. Both teams were evenly matched.

Barnsley enjoyed some early possession and quickly converted that pressure into a goal. Slazenger did respond to the set back and tried to start playing some quick, passing hockey. Unfortunately, after some attacking breaks in the opposition half they conceded two more sloppy goals. Both were very similar in that they left the defence isolated and Barnsley capitalised by leaving players up the field who converted their chances in front of goal.

For the last 10 minutes of the first half the Horbury side enjoyed the majority off possession and could have scored several goals but all opportunities were spurned. Luckily, a mis-timed shot from Robin Brearton sneaked through the keeper’s legs for a 3-1 half-time score.

Barnsley started the second half strongly and were gifted a fourth goal when a mis-timed pass in defence put one of the Barnsley strikers in on goal. Both sides continued to press for additional goals and Slazenger’s, although creating further scoring opportunities, continued to live dangerously at the other end with goalkeeper Ralph Toon making a couple of telling saves.

Slazenger’s began to dominate for the rest of the game with relentless pressure but still didn’t have the clinical edge in front of goal, that they needed if they were to level the game.

Fortunately, all the pressure did have some reward when Slazenger’s were awarded a penalty flick, which James Bennett duly converted, quickly followed by a football type celebration in the centre circle!!

Slazenger’s continued attacking strongly but failed to defend a simple pass upfield from the Barnsley defence which was duly converted. The game ended 5-2 to Barnsley.

By Andy Fisher
From match played at Barnsley Hockey Club on Saturday 15th January 2011

Report: 16-10-2010 – Mens 4th’s (3) vs. (2) Barnsley 2nd’s

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Slazenger Development squad travelled to Barnsley on Saturday. After two matches against far stronger opponents, they were looking for a win to rebuild from, achieving this with a 3-2 victory over Barnsley 2nds.Slazenger started the match aggressively, controlling the play with quick passes and darting movement. However, Barnsley mustered a strong back line to deny a way through to goal. With such effort from the young front line, a break eventually came. A fast play from James Bennett and Matthew Smith was stopped by the keeper, only to be followed up by Isaac Fisher; securing the first goal.

The pressure was maintained throughout the first half, though a redoubled effort from the Barnsley back line held off the continued efforts of Slazenger. As with the first goal however, the relentless pressure paid off with Matthew Smith firing home a decisive second goal. The match was more closely fought than the scoreline suggested, and this deficit was rectified with two equalling goals from Barnsley; breaking through with co-ordinated play to defeat goalie Ralph Toon.

The second half started as the first had. With the addition of veteran Ian “Flash” Gordon, Slazenger continued to press. Barnsley looked as threatening as before, but with defensive superstar Rowan Tejura holding the line, there was no way through. Combination play coordinated by Robin Brearton looked to have secured the third, although it was disallowed. Even the cutting move from Andy Fisher and Ian Hedges found the woodwork, preventing a spectacular finish.

Finally, a third goal came from a great play which typified the growing teamwork of Slazenger. Passing play from Tim Hunter, Matthew Smith, and Robin Brearton quickly moved the ball, cutting straight through the midfield. Striker Isaac Fisher looked to secure his second goal, only to be denied by the keeper. The deflected ball was followed up by Ian Hedges, securing the winning goal.

Notable performances should also go to Paresh Tejura for his gazelle like midfield grace, Robert Cann for some great attacking play, and seasoned pro Nathan Crowther for a stalwart performance on the back line.

From 16th October 2010, 2:30pm at Barnsley Hockey Club