First game of the season started really well. With a new line up for the 2s getting used to different positions and new faces.
Slazengers had most of the attacking play and a goal from Naomi Frith from a short corner saw Slazengers play most the game winning 1-0. Playing with no subs took it’s toll and a last minute tap in saw Slazengers draw 1-1.
Player of the match was split 3 ways between Mollie Gilbert, Alice Gasgoine and Sarah Ritchey.
Slazenger Ladies 3rds enjoyed a hard fought 5-4 victory over Colne Valley in another high scoring game away from home.
From the off, Slaz maintained strong pressure, and a well controlled defensive formation to contain theColneValleythreat. JessHolland(player of the match) produced some cutting runs down the wing, delivering several balls into the D with no repsone from the home team. Unfortunately, a strong attack co-ordinated by the hosts found a shot on goal, putting them 1-0 ahead.
Slaz were prompt to respond; Gemma Whittam slipping the first goal in past the keeper. A co-ordinated piece of flowing through play gave the visitors the advantage. Hannah Field made darting runs alongside Nayesha Tejura, feeding the ball to Gemma Whittam. The ball was driven forward to Becky Gummerson, who secured the second.
ColneValleyscored the equaliser in short order.
Becky Gumerson scored the third as the pressure once again turned with Slaz. Linking play from the midfield gave the team width; Zoe Bacon and Naomi Horsley stretched the midfield, driving the ball thgough to Julie Bacon, and Gemma Whittam who took the shot. The keeper’s save was followed up, putting Slaz ahead once again.
Just before half timeColneValleymanaged to pull back the goal difference.
The fourth came from a short corner routine; Jess Holland pushed out, finding Julie Finch for the strike on goal. The clearance fell to Julie Bacon, who drilled it into the net. However, the lead was short lived, as ColneValleyscored their 4th of the game!
With minutes left, and the game looking like a draw, Slaz had one last chance on goal. A shot inside the D was driven wide, but a quick movement from Jess Holland collected it, depositing it in the back fo the net.
Slazenger Ladies 3rd’s hockey team continued their winning form with a 2-0 win over 3rd placed Colne Valley.
It was a great match for Slazengers who continued to build on their form from last week by playing some good hockey. Ball movement was immense, every player played their part in the team, working hard, tracking back & backing up team mates.
Slazengers took charge of the game from the off, Gemma Whittam had the first strike on goal but was denied by a great stop from the keeper. Undeterred, Slazengers battled on & with Sally Thornton making a great run on the wing, great back up play from Katie Browne saw a lovely ball played into the D for an on form Elle Poskett to put away her first goal of the game.
Slazengers dominated the pitch, Katie Brown had a great game & created a number of chances, Rebecca Jessop was awarded player of the match & played a immense game on her debut.
Further shots on goal from Jessica Holland, Channelle Luxford & Zoe Bacon were all thwarted by the Colne Valley keeper. Colne Valley did make the occasional break but the defensive partnership of captain Julie Finch , Heather Bates & keeper Chloe Bates were impenetrable & Colne Valley were unable to get on the score sheet.
Slazengers used the width well & yet another break by Sally Thornton enabled Channelle Luxford to play a well timed ball to Elle Poskett who put away her second on the game.
Final score was a good 2- 0 win to Slazengers.
