Slazenger Hockey Club

Cup

Report: 14-11-2010 – Mens 1st’s (0) vs. (5) Leeds 2nd’s (Cup)

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Sunday saw Slazengers mens first team in the semi final of the league cup against unbeaten higher league opposition in Leeds mens second team. Leeds were an excellent side and well drilled and it was up to Slazengers to raise their game to compete.The first half saw both teams playing excellent hockey with both teams creating chances but it was Leeds who took the lead with a well worked short corner routine. Slazengers upped their game and created chances of their own but couldn’t find the final touch and it was Leeds who grabbed a second just before the break. The second half saw much of the same with Slazengers pressing and Leeds hitting them on the break. Slazengers went close through Paul Wiper and Jack Kitchen but again couldn’t find the net and it was Leeds who grabbed a couple of late goals to leave the scoreline a little one-sided.

Although Slazengers fell at the semi final stage, victories against two higher league teams in previous rounds along with an excellent showing against a very strong Leeds side will stand them in good stead for the league campaign. Jonny White took the Slazengers man of the match award.

By Ben Graham: from Cup match played against Leeds 3rds on Sunday 14th November 2010, at 4:30pm

Report: 17-10-2010 – Mens 1st’s (4) vs. (2) Chapeltown 2nd’s (CUP)

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Slazengers mens first team hosted Chapeltown 2’s in the cup on Sunday and came away with a deserved 4-2 win. Due to injury, Chapeltown only had 10 players and Slazengers played a sensible passing game utilising the extra space available. Chapeltown did manage to take the lead off a short corner but this was short lived when soon after Ben Graham picked up a great ball from Phil Midgley and squared for John Sykes to finish easily.Into the second half, Slazengers continued to play a good passing game and it was the same combination that brought Slazengers second, Graham again crossing for Sykes to convert. As the game progressed, Slazengers always looked the stronger side and increased their lead when Graham converted after capitilising on a defensive error and soon scored their fourth when Midgley broke from defence to convert the simplest of tap ins.

Chapeltown did manage to grab a late consolation but it is Slazengers who will progress into the next round.

From 17th October 2010, at Slazenger Hockey Club

Report: 07-11-2004 – Mens 3rd’s (4) vs. (0) Huddersfield

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Slazenger’s third team entered this quarter final clash against Huddersfield, with confidence, after a resounding victory in the previous round, a confidence that was well founded and resulted in Slazenger’s coming away 4-0 victors.

The game began with both sides playing some strong hockey but it was Slazenger’s who opened the scoring through a Richard Hutchins penalty flick after the Huddersfield keeper had illegally shielded the ball. Although many more chances were created, this was the only goal of the first half.

The second half was all Slazenger’s with James Walker creating chance after chance with some great play down the right. Ben Graham eventually grabbing the second goal with a solid strike from distance.

Slazenger’s continued to dominate with Carr adding a third and Walker grabbing the goal that his performance deserved.

This was a great display and will give Slazenger great confidence going into the semi finals of a cup competition they surely have a great chance of winning.

Report: 24-10-2004 – Mens 3rd’s (7) vs (1) Wakefield 3rd’s

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Slazenger’s thirds hosted local rivals Wakefield thirds on Sunday in the third team cup and produced a fantastic performance to run out 7-1 winners.

Both teams were always going to be up for the game but it was Slazenger’s who struck first blood, Johnny Halliday striking a fierce short corner home. The game settled into a physical well-fought game, both teams playing good hockey but once again Slazenger’s were able to strike with Timmy Carr finishing another short corner just before half time.

The second half began as the first had ended, Carr sniffing out another close in finish to give Slazenger’s a three goal cushion, Wakefield pulled one back before Carr completed his hat trick with a great strike, beating three defenders before drilling the ball home.

By this time Slazenger’s were in total control, playing great hockey completely dominating all areas of the pitch, Jez Whawell netting before Rich Hutchins rounded off a great short corner routine with a simple tap in. Marcus Shufflebottom made a great save from a penalty flick and Halliday completed the scoring with another good first time strike, surprising all by managing to stay on his feet long enough to get to the ball. Eddie Taylor used all his weight to boss the defence with James Walker always causing problems for the Wakefield defence. Slazenger’s now look forward to the draw with anticipation.

Report: 27-03-2004 – Mens 5th’s (5) vs (2) Leeds 6th’s

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Sharpshooter Chris Wood scored four times as Slazenger fifths lifted the Plate at the expense of opponents Leeds

The final finally went ahead after being cancelled the weekend before because of the bad weather and Slazenger got off to a slow start against well organised Leeds defence.

There was some excellent attacking play by the forwards and especially Jermane Cockerill and Gareth Ventom who pushed up with great one-two balls between them.

This led to Slazenger’s first goal by Chris Wood with a good cross ball by Andy Auty and they doubled it when a blistering pass by Simon Killey to Ian Gordon confused the keeper and the ball went in.

Team spirits were high with all the players working and some good runs by Andy Fisher from defence. Coupled with good defending by Richard Baker, Ian Hedges, Dave Smith, and Neil Blackwood, they looked unbeatable with Wood’s second making it 3-0 at half time.

Leeds came out fighting in the second half to score an early goal but Slaz responded through Wood and although Slazenger ‘keeper Lee Secker had a relatively easy game, Leeds managed to score a second.

But Slaz’ again replied with another great pass from Killey to Wood who again found the back of the net.