Slazenger
vs.
Doncaster 1
All Fixtures
Squad
Match Report
No match report available.
Squad
FG 69'
Match Report
What a glorious day for hockey! The sun was shining, spirits were high, and the Slaz Devs put on a brilliant performance full of teamwork and determination. With two goalkeepers available, Nikolai stood strong between the posts while Frances kindly played for Doncaster — though she certainly didn’t make life easy for us! At the back, Harry, Katie, Captain Noah and Will were rock solid, with sharp tackles and clearances. The midfield worked tirelessly, with Adelaide, Izzy, Amelia, Harry, James and Alan spreading the play beautifully, supported by stints from Noah, Ruth and Matthew. Up front, Cerys, Jess and Georgie pushed hard, always looking for opportunities.
The kids showed no fear against their adult opposition, unfazed by the loud shouts as they fought for every ball. Their bravery was rewarded when Ruth struck early in the first half after some excellent build-up play. Chances kept coming — Matthew and Noah both had shots that tested the keeper — but Doncaster eventually equalised (with a little “help” from Uncle Will!). But Slaz wasn’t done. With just 10 seconds left on the clock, Captain Noah drove forward to win a short corner. The pressure mounted, a second corner followed, and Ruth calmly slotted home her second of the day to seal a dramatic 2-1 win!
Player of the Match: Ruth – tireless work rate and two well-deserved goals.
Donut of the Day: Uncle Will – for providing Doncaster with their best assist of the game!
A superb team effort in the sunshine – so much positivity, teamwork and resilience on show.
Squad
Match Report
No match report available.
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No squad recorded.
Match Report
No match report available.
Squad
FG 31'
Match Report
This was the Development teams first game of the season and with some of the older juniors having been promoted to higher teams, this was a new look side.
However, any doubts quickly faded as the team clicked immediately and produced a great team performance. The midfield of Amelia Sykes, Declan Buxton, Ollie Tudenham and Aidy Buckley controlled the game throughout, whilst Beth Buckley and Lucas Thickett kept the Doncaster keeper busy. However, it was a goal from Declan Buxton which opened the scoring, taking the ball on the edge of the D and beating a defender and the keeper to score. Declan’s second goal quickly followed in similar circumstances to make it 2-0 at half time.
As the second half progressed, Doncaster worked their way into the game, testing the Slaz defence of George Garside, Harry Firth, Lorna Godson, Ben Garside and Richard Coughtrey on a number of occasions. Player of the game and keeper Lillianna Burrows made a number of crucial saves to limit Doncaster to just one goal and deny Doncaster many more to ensure that Slazenger’s took the points and a 2-1 win. A great way to start the season for the Slaz youngsters.
Squad
FG 26'
FG 7'
FG 49'
Match Report
No match report available.
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Match Report
No match report available.
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No squad recorded.
Match Report
Match result awarded due to Doncaster unable to field a side
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No squad recorded.
Match Report
No match report available.
Match Report
Oh the difference circumstance can make. This week, with no game on the pitch before them Slaz were well and truly warmed up whilst half of the opposition arrived with only minutes to spare. Slaz kept to their shape and their plan, passed the ball around until an opening was available and then hit the striker (Alex Stacey) who dummied the keeper and passed right for the incoming winger to score (Adam Searle). Slaz 1-0 Doncaster after only 5 mins. This pattern remained for the rest of the half with Slazenger going further ahead through Davey Ramsdale and Alex Stacey.
The hosts had arrived knowing Slaz had to beat them 3-0 to go above them and take top spot, and Doncaster’s half time talk must have been fiery because they came out with masses of passion and applied their skills which they had in abundance. Doncaster’s first goal didn’t worry Slaz but when they scored with only three minutes to the Dev’s shut things down tight at the back and launched long balls to their strikers to hold up, keeping Doncaster at bay.
So it was nice not to go behind for once and it’s nice to be 2nd on goal difference, time to build on this performance. Alex Stacey was outstanding as a high striker, making two adults look as if they couldn’t handle him, well deserved his assist and goal, but Will Gascoigne was man of the match for his excellent box-to-box midfield work. Perhaps next week we should just field the whole under 12 team?
Match Report
Doncaster visited Slazenger development team which saw Slazenger well organised and moving the ball well. Before long Slazenger had a short corner for Matty Chilton to strike from again.
Like the week before this was followed by well worked goal finished by Tristan whittle. Withstanding some pressure Slazenger defence held firm before Tom Gommersal got on the he score sheet.
A great team performance right from goalie Harry Buttery and all through the side. 3-0.
Squad
Match Report
Slazenger development team travelled to Doncaster only to play out a goalless draw. Despite lots of possession and territory slazengers could not find the back of the net. Another good team performance though. Man of match Chris Gascoigne.
Squad
No squad recorded.
Match Report
No match report available.
Match Report
Slazenger had an early morning fixture away against Doncaster 7\\\'s this weekend and it was apparent that despite putting out a strong team most of the players were still half asleep at the start of the game. Doncaster got into their stride quicker and were able to soak up any Slazenger attacks and set up quick incisive counter attacks of their own. Matthew Smith in defence and keeper Harry Buttery were the busiest players on the pitch for the first 20 minutes.
It was no great surprise when Doncaster took the lead halfway through the first half. A lack of communication and composure allowed the opposition a penalty corner and the chance was taken. This setback at least woke the team up and the away team began to increase the work rate and look for a way back into the match. George Fealy was outstanding on the right wing with his work rate and willingness to track back. Unfortunately no one could get on the end of any of his crosses to score. Elliott Golding wasn\\\'t having as much luck on the left flank and was often having to drift infield to help out with the defensive duties.
Poor marking and not supporting players in possession was a feature of the first half but luckily Slazenger did not concede any further goals.
Second half was a more even contest, but unfortunately Doncaster increased their advantage when a defensive clearance was hit down the middle of the pitch to a waiting Doncaster player who drilled the ball straight past the keeper.
Once again Slazenger showed what a resilient side they are by getting back into the game straight away after good work on the left flank Darren Buttery was on hand to put striker Peter Gunning through on goal to convert. It was now the away teams turn to take the ascendency and it wasn\\\'t long before Harry Gunning levelled the score, despite carrying a knock from earlier in the game, with a well placed jab just inside the post past the despairing keeper.
The game was end to end after that, with the unfortunate Chris Gascoigne getting a full blooded shot to the inside of the knee, ruling him out for the rest of the match and Tom Pitchforth having to leave the field feeling sick. Despite these setbacks Slazengers probably finished the match the stronger side but a 2-2 scoreline was a fair result.
Match Report
A slow after Christmas start for the Slazenger’s fifth team saw a dismal first half with a competent Doncaster team who ran rings around both young and old players. Within 5 minutes Doncaster had scored with some fine wing movement and neat triangular passes. Slaz with possibly too much Xmas pudding still in them looked lacklustre and seemed unable to track or mark any of the Doncaster players.
Slaz spent another 15 frustrating minutes unable to clear their own half and get the ball to the forward line. Doncaster capitalised on this and scored another fine goal beating Harry Buttery in the Slazenger goal. After a stirring team talk and a frank discussion of strengths and weaknesses from Captain Geoff Birkett, Slaz returned to the field looking a different team indeed. Within a minute a smart move down the wing from George Fealy passing it to midfield player Harry Gunning who’s loose shot hit the post but the subsequent rebound hit the back of the keeper’s foot to cross the line. An own goal but a deserved lift for the team.
From that point Slaz quickly found their feet, Tom Pitchforth put in a superb shift all over the field tracking and moving the ball around comfortably and more good work from Geoff Birkett and Harry Gunning in midfield saw George Fealy released onto the wing to make space to bring the ball to striker Peter Gunning to put away Slazenger’s first proper goal. An almost identical goal and Peter Gunning’s sixteenth of the season, brought the complete turnaround of a game that was thought dead and buried at half time. Dogged defensive work from Dave Smyth, Danny Croxall, Alex Calderley and Steve Wood kept the last hurrah of Doncaster at bay as they tried desperately to gain a last goal but it all ended Slaz 3 Doncaster 2.
Squad
FG 50'
Match Report
Seventh Heaven for Gunning
An early evening match for the Slazenger 5ths saw the floodlights light up the Horbury sky as they battled against Doncaster. The back four of Dave Smith, Danny Croxall, Matthew Chilton and Adam Drake held the line well protecting Harry Buttery in goal. They were tested throughout the first half with penetrating runs from the wings and through the centre, however Danny Croxall was tenacious and recovered the ball several times when the Slaz team were dispossessed.
Geoff Birkett and Harry Gunning held the centre of the park with George Fealy and Elliot Golding using the wings and making some telling runs. Disaster struck early as Slaz weren’t up to combating a swift counter attack from Donnie. Matthew Chilton and Owen Bland both played well for such young debutants but the agility and dribbling skill of their centre caught Slaz on the hop and they were soon ruing a one goal deficit.
Spurred on by Geoff the team regained their composure and pressed home 2 to 3 good attacks. The final move of another George Fealy foray up front saw a ball desperately scrambled in front of goal but it landed in front of the team’s talisman scorer Peter Gunning who swept in his sixth goal of the season past a decent Donnie keeper. Slaz had to absorb sustained pressure for the last 5 minutes but held out to regroup at the half time interval. An even start for both teams in the second half saw an almost tennis match type of game with the hockey moving from attack to counter attack but finally saw the young mercurial red headed Donnie player slot home another telling goal.
A sustained period of attack from Slaz saw Ben and Adam push forward and wave after wave of attacks bore fruit as Peter Gunning telegraphed a goal home from a telling pass off Adam Drake and through his brother Harry to make honours even. Slaz weren’t finished there though an intense barrage of shots from both Gunnings, Fealy and Golding were fruitless but showed the tenacity and spirit of the team. A well deserved draw against a Doncaster side who beat Slaz in their last meeting showed what this team can do.
Match Report
Slazenger 5’s faced tough opposition in Doncaster 7’s but met the challenge with lots of spirit and hard work. Doncaster started the game more quickly and looked a well disciplined side, battling well in midfield and using their young, skilful players up front to great effect. Matthew Smith in the centre of defence had to work very hard with Adam Drake to keep the opposition at bay. After absorbing a lot of pressure Slazenger’s did begin to mount some attacks of their own with debutants Owen Bland and Alex King in midfield trying to release the centre forwards into dangerous areas of the pitch. The home side have yet to field a settled side this season but everyone contributed for the team with Harry Buttery in goal playing a blinder. Wingers Elliot Goulding and George Fealy worked tirelessly on the flanks but often with little reward.
It was no surprise that Slazenger’s finally succumbed to the Doncaster pressure when they quickly conceded a couple of goals midway through the first half. However, they didn’t capitulate and were finally rewarded with a goal of their own with a neatly taken effort from centre forward Peter Gunning. Half time 2-1. Second half the man-marking was tightened up and this did free the home side for more attacking opportunities. One of the chances was converted by midfielder Harry Gunning to bring the team back level at 2-2.
But parity was short lived when the opposition responded with a quick brace of goals to take the advantage once again. However, Slazenger 5’s showed their character once again when they quickly responded with Peter Gunning getting his second of the day. Slazenger’s very nearly managed to grab a late equaliser when Danny Smith had a fierce shot deflected off the keepers pads. Final score 4-3.
Match Report
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.
Match Report
Slazenger 4’s gave a decent team performance against a good Doncaster side. In baking hot conditions. Slazenger held their own in the early part of the game, keeping possession quite well and trying to use the full width of the pitch without really troubling the opposition goalkeeper despite Matthew Smith working tirelessly up front.
Doncaster came back into the game more as the first half wore on they were able to keep their shape whilst Slazenger lost their way a little with the constant substitutions that were required on such a hot day. 0-0 at half time.
Doncaster started the second half much brighter and applied lots of pressure keeping the away team in their half for long periods of time. The first goal came about by a mishap in the Slazenger goal area and the opposition took advantage.
Slazenger started to rally after going behind and grimly tried to find a way back into the game. With the pace of the game slowing due to the conditions Robert Cann got hold of a neat through pass and put the visitors level. This parity was short lived as the home side went straight up the other end and scored what proved to be the winner.
Final score 2-1 to the home side.
Match Report
Slazenger Development Squad played a hard fought game against 2nd in the league Doncaster, ultimately loosing 3-0 to the visitors. However the team acquitted themselves admirably against a strong opposition. As with York, Doncaster had stayed within the letter of the rules, though again it is debatable whether the spirit of the league was fully observed. Their strategy pivoted around a single highly skilled adult midfielder who spent the game outmanoeuvring the younger Slazenger players, and setting up younger members of the Doncaster squad to try and score. This had been devastating in the last encounter with Slazenger going down 8-0 away, though it was not going to be the case this time around.
Slazenger played a strong game, distributing the ball quickly, moving it through to Isaac Fisher, Robert Cann and Matthew Smith; strikers in the making. In the first half, the match was well balanced, with several great opportunities for the home side. Unfortunately a strong back line and goalie denied all efforts. In return however, when Doncaster broke, they broke hard. The ball was distributed to the centre, with Slazenger having to take on Doncaster’s playmaker. The ball was moved through Slazenger’s midfield, finding the wingers who gave Rowan Tejura and Nathan Crowther plenty of work to deal with. Doncaster maintained the pressure, and Slazenger eventually conceded off a short corner. By the end of the first half, Slazenger was down by 3.
The second half saw Slazenger apply far greater pressure, and look to be taking control. The midfield stood stronger, and co-ordinated to incapacitate the playmaker, cutting off the oppositions supply to the front line. In the end, even with the great pressure applied by Slazenger, they were unable to convert. Ian Gordon went close, and Isaac Fisher’s shot went wide of the post. Finally, special mention should go to Paresh Tejura, who’s level of enthusiasm was only matched by his clumsy destruction.
With a tough series of four encounters with the leagues top two teams out of the way, Slazenger will look to an easier fixture list to put their new skills to practice.
Squad
No squad recorded.
Match Report
No match report available.
