Slazenger Hockey Club

Mens Development

Report: 25-02-2012 – Mens 4th’s (Dev) (4) vs. (0) Barnsley 2nd’s

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Slazenger 4’s lost their previous encounter against Barnsley so it was very encouraging that Slazengers started this match with a high tempo and built penetrating attacks from the start. Using both flanks, the home side managed to get behind the Barnsley defence several times before one of these attacks resulted in a goal when Harry Bullock fortuitously managed to reverse hit the ball into the far corner. The keeper was undone by the speed of the shot and was expecting something a little harder than the tame shot that sneaked over the goal line.

Barnsley tried to get back into the game but resolute defending and tight marking throughout the team denied the opposition time on the ball. Aidan Hopkinson enjoyed a titanic struggle against one of the adult players and despite being up ended a couple of times kept on returning back to his defensive duties with renewed vigour. This galvanised the rest of the team to follow his example.

The game ebbed and flowed in midfield but the home team continued to create the better goalscoring opportunities either side of half-time, without increasing the single goal advantage.

The game turned in the space of ten minutes in the second half when Barnsley conceded 3 goals in quick succession.
Two goals were very similar with Ian Hedges and Matthew Stacey on either wing putting good crosses at pace into the goalmouth and the third came from a penalty corner.

The scorers were Tim Hunter, Aidan Hopkinson and Harry added to his earlier conversion.

Final score was 4-0 to the home side and just to mention Dave Gascoigne, at left half, making his league debut for the team who sufficiently gained in confidence in the second half to go on a skillful run down the wing in front of an appreciative crowd.

Slazenger 4’s next fixture is away at Airedale.

Report: 21-01-2012 – Mens 4th’s (Dev) (1) vs. (0) Rotherham 5th’s

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After a week off due to the recent cold weather Slazenger 4’s quickly got back into the groove against strong opponents Rotherham 5’s.

Despite the opposition fielding several adults Slazenger’s were undeterred and quickly got into their stride with strong midfield performances once again from Tom Pitchforth and Aidan Hopkinson, with Matthew Stacey and Tim Hunter working hard on the flanks. They worked as a unit denying their opponents time on the ball and were tenacious in the tackle.

Despite the poor quality of the pitch Slazenger 4’s tried to play good passing hockey, starting from the back with Danny Croxall and Matthew Feather who were both composed in possession and with Harry Bullock, Danny Smith and Robert Cann rotating the striking options. The away team created several half-decent chances but just couldn’t find a way through the opposition defence and when they did the keeper was up to the task.

That said, both Robert and Harry were unlucky to hit the post during the game, when facing an open goalmouth. Danny Smith was unluckier still when he smartly picked up a fiercely driven shot, swiveled and smacked the ball straight at the keeper.

It was left to winger Tim Hunter to score what proved to be the winner with a well taken shot half way through the second half.

Rotherham pressed for an equaliser but left themselves exposed at the back and were vulnerable to several counter attacks but the score remained 1-0.

Slazenger’s next game is away at York.

Report: 07-01-2012 – Mens 4th’s (Dev) (7) vs. (0) Airedale 3rd’s

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It was back to business for Slazenger’s after the festive season and they didn’t fail to disappoint.

Looking refreshed and raring to go, this was highlighted by a series of excellent attacking movements, resulting in two early short corners, and not long after this early pressure resulted in two goals, one each for Robert Cann and Tim Hunter.

Slazenger’s kept applying the pressure and dominated possession throughout both halves, with some excellent link up play, they forced a further two goals, the first from Matthew Stacey, and then Robert Cann going in for his second. Half time score 4-0.

In the second half Slazenger’s once again enjoyed some excellent attacking play that was backed up with some determined and effective defensive play, enabling the midfield and attack to push up and inevitably score some more goals. Slazenger’s began to use the wing’s more frequently and In the heart of midfield, Tom Pitchford, veteran Geoff Birkett and Aidan Hopkinson were running riot, which resulted in Aidan scoring an impressive goal, and Robert Cann, eager to complete his hat trick, ramming the ball in the back of the net from a reverse strike and goal number six for the team.

However Slaz weren’t finished there and Aidan Hopkinson found Harry Bullock’s cross and there was only one place that ball would end up. Final score Slazenger’s 7-0 Airedale.

Slazenger’s next match is at home to Bradford.

Report: 03-12-2011 – Mens 4th’s (Dev) (5) vs. (0) Huddersfield 7th’s

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Slazengers 4’s, expected a strong performance against Huddersfield and didn’t fail to disappoint. From the first whistle they took control of the game and enjoyed the majority of the possession.

In a strong team display, with some good attacking play from the midfield, most notably Tom Pitchforth, it was only a matter of time before the home team took the lead with two goals from winger Tim Hunter.This was quickly followed by a third goal from Matthew Stacey, scoring against his former club.

After the half time interval Slazengers immediately picked up where they had left off, moving the ball out wide and putting in a fierce cross for Robert Cann to convert. Despite the heaven’s opening, Slazengers continued to press for more goals, the opposition only managed a couple of meaningful attacks, which were nullified by Matthew Feather in defence.

Huddersfield, defending as best they could, didn’t prevent Tim Hunter, receiving a pass from Harry Bullock, from slotting the ball home for his hat trick late in the game.

Final score – Slazengers 5 Huddersfield 0.Slazengers next match is at home against Barnsley.

Report: 26-11-2011 – Mens 4th’s (Dev) (0) vs. (0) Doncaster

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Slazenger’s acquitted themselves well in this top of the table clash against high flying Doncaster. Both sides were disciplined, contained some skillful players and managed to keep their shape, working hard in both attack and defence.

Slazenger’s enjoyed the best goalscoring opportunities in both halves, with striker Peter Gunning coming close midway in the first half with a lovely deflected effort that was brilliantly saved by a Doncaster keeper who made several telling saves throughout the game.

Chris Hopkinson and Danny Croxall were again solid at the heart of the defence and Aidan Hopkinson and Tom Pitchforth tackled tirelessly in the centre of midfield.

Slazenger’s continued to soak up the pressure and made several breakaway strikes on goal down both flanks. Matthew Stacey was particularly influential down the right side and had several chances beaten away by the Doncaster keeper.

In a good natured game both sides continued to press for victory but neither side could find a winner. The final 0-0 score was probably a fair result for both sides.

Slazenger 4’s next game is against Huddersfield at home.