Early jitters gave way to a commanding performance by the third string that gained them a comprehensive opening day victory.
Slazenger were grateful to the work of defender Tony Sidwell and goalkeeper Thomas Penistone in those nervy stages.
John Sykes scored against the run of play from a short corner to set Slazenger or their way. And a second short corner goal from Graham Parker knocked some of the string out of the visitors.
Injuries forced Slazenger to change things around in the second half, but it seemed to work in their favour as they scored twice more through Sykes and skipper Geoff Birkett.
Lawrence Thornton had a fine debut game before being injured and Neil Hutchins also impressed. But man of the match honours went to Tony Sidwell for a faultless display at sweeper.
The thirds travel to Bradford on Saturday 3:15pm start.
Mens 3rd XI
Report: 24-03-2001 – Mens 3rd’s (0) vs (2) York 5th’s
Slazenger third’s second division promotion hopes took a 2-0 knock at home to City of York fifths.
Neither side dominated this top of the table clash, but York made the most of their two chances.
Report: 17-03-2001 – Mens 3rd’s (3) vs (1) Huddersfield 5th’s
A Gavin Kay hat-trick sealed another vital victory for Slazenger Thirds, 3-1 at Huddersfield fifths.
Kay was far too lively for an older Huddersfield XI as all his goals came in quick-fire succession in the first half.
The first has a deflected free hit, the second a conversion of Anwar Al-Khaili’s excellent cross, and the third from another deflected free hit.
Huddersfield pulled a goal back but never really threatened Slazenger goal-keeper Simon Killey.
Slazenger entertain York fifth’s on Saturday 12 noon.
Report: 10-03-2001 – Mens 3rd’s (2) vs (2) Hull University 2nd’s
Slazenger thirds continued their impressive run of form with a 2-2 draw with Hull University Seconds.
After going a goal down, Slazenger levelled from a well-executed short-corner routine, Simon Miller firing home.
Micky Turner put Slazenger one up with a powerful flick following a goal-stopping foul.
But Hull struck back to equalise, and though Slazenger pressed for the winner it just eluded them.
Report: 03-03-2001 – Mens 3rd’s (3) vs (2) Sheffield Hallam
Slazenger thirds looked in trouble early on against visitors Hallam University but rallied from an early goal set back to win 3-2.
Slazenger pulled one back through Martin Lofthouse and John Sykes put Slazenger into the lead.
Micky Turner then came up with a cooly converted penalty flick to give Slazenger a two-goal cushion.
But Hallam hit back with a late burst. The pressure play produced a second goal in the final phase of the game, but excellent midfield play ensured Slazenger held on to their winning margin.
Slazenger thirds overcame City of York Sixes 5-1 in a rearranged fixture on Sunday.
The six points taken from the weekend’s fixtures now give Slazenger an outside chance of promotion.
Sunday scorers were Ashley Smith (2), Paul Wiper, Andy Birkett, Simon Miller and John Sykes.
