Development

Match Report

Slazenger opened their first development fixture of the season with a confident and composed performance, blending new talent with seasoned experience to secure a 3–1 victory over Barnsley.

Quarter 1 - Debutants Harry R and Freddie W slotted in brilliantly as Slaz made a strong start against a very tall Barnsley side… it must be the great teas! More on that later… Play moved end-to-end early on, but Slaz defended a short corner superbly, with Noah clearing fearlessly. Minutes later, a Slaz short corner, injected by captain Georgie, was finished clinically by Noah to make it 1–0. Alistair was a constant threat down the right wing, showing that none of his skills have been lost over the summer break! His pace and attacking runs kept Barnsley’s defence busy and created plenty of opportunities for Slaz. Strong runs from Freddie and Cerys added to the pressure, while Georgie, Katie, Harry S and Harry R worked brilliantly as a defensive unit. All four made some excellent, well-timed tackles and interceptions throughout the game, helping to break up attacks and turn defence into attack.

Quarter 2 - An early short corner saw shots from Noah and Cerys saved, but Slaz kept pushing. Freddie’s drive into the D earned another short, although Barnsley defended well. Persistent pressure eventually paid off when Matthew forced the ball over the line after some determined battling from Freddie, Darcie and Cerys. The forward line of Matthew, Cerys and Darcie were relentless throughout, particularly whenever Slaz lost possession. They worked hard to put immediate pressure back on Barnsley, often winning the ball back quickly and giving Slazenger another opportunity to attack. Harry S also showed plenty of positive intent with some great runs forward, while Georgie, Katie, Harry S and Harry R continued to make important tackles and interceptions at the back. Darcie later struck the bar with a powerful shot… was this a sign of things to come?!

Quarter 3 - Alistair’s strong run earned an early short corner, which Darcie converted to make it 3–0. Barnsley responded with a strong spell of pressure, threatening in the D, but the Slaz defence stayed organised. Harry R, Harry S, Georgie and Katie all made well-timed challenges at important moments, helping to break up attacks and keep Slaz on the front foot. Darcie sent another shot across the face of goal and then things then took a turn for Mark, who earned himself a green card and a two-minute sit down to have a little think about his behaviour! Naturally, this outstanding contribution has earned Mark the prestigious Donut of the Day award.

Quarter 4 - The final quarter was more balanced with the Slaz team juniors playing without adult support. Slaz created chances through crosses from Matthew and Freddie but couldn’t quite convert, while a late Slaz short corner also went unfinished. Barnsley earned a final short corner in the dying seconds and managed to score a goal before the final whistle blew. Full Time: Slazenger 3–1 Barnsley.

A fantastic first development game from Slazenger, with clean, composed hockey throughout. There were plenty of positives to take, with every player contributing to a brilliant team effort. Player of the Match: Freddie - Freddie was fantastic throughout, making some really positive runs and putting in some great tackles. A thoroughly deserved Player of the Match! Donut of the Day: Mark - For obvious reasons.

And the real highlight… teas of champions at the end of a mysterious single-track lane into a business park ending at Nailmaker Brewing Co for CHIP BUTTIES! 10/10. A great first game, a great result and, most importantly, excellent teas. What more could you want from the first game of the season! Thanks Barnsley!

Match Report

No match report available.

Match Report

No match report available.

Match Report

Slazenger 4’s lost their previous encounter against Barnsley so it was very encouraging that Slazenger 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.

Match Report

Slazenger 4s faced local rivals Barnsley 2s in their last fixture before the Christmas break. The team started brightly, on the back of an excellent performance last week and created several attacking opportunities in the first 15 minutes. Once again the midfield worked hard with Tom Pitchforth and Aidan Hopkinson linking well with veteran Geoff Birkett. They were tenacious in the tackle and didn\\\'t dwell on the ball, passing quickly and looking for the return pass. Matthew Stacey on the right wing and Tim Hunter wide on the left were always available and used the flanks well. Up front Robert Cann and Harry Bullock made some telling runs but any shots they had were quickly snuffed out by the Barnsley keeper.

And that was the big problem the young team faced throughout the game. Barnsley played 2 or 3 strong first team players who were simply too skillful for the team to contain for the whole of the match! That said, the youngsters will have learnt a great deal from playing against people of a much higher standard. Despite early dominance Slazenger\'s were soon 2-0 down to breakaway goals from Barnsley and even though they retained their composure and continued to play hockey the way they wanted to the half-time score remained 2-0.

Second half Slazenger continued to press and any further Barnsley attacks were dealt with by Chris Hopkinson and Danny Croxall in the centre of defence. There were several excellently timed tackles from Matthew Feather who looked calm and composed throughout, with Dave Smyth having to work hard at right back.

Slazenger pulled one goal back when Geoff Birkett fired a pass into the goal area for Matthew Stacey to deflect past the prone keeper. But it was not long before one of the senior Barnsley players reinstated the 2 goal advantage by waltzing past most of the Slazenger team, including keeper Giles Field, passing to one of his team mates to place the ball into an open net.

Final score 3-1 to Barnsley. Great experience for the team, not so sure about the 5 Barnsley juniors stood on the touchline watching the game.

Match Report

Slazenger continued in the same good form that they showed in their previous game, against this week’s opponents Barnsley. Again making good use of the flanks the Horbury side enjoyed the majority of the possession and created 5 good goal scoring chances within the first 25 minutes. Rowan Tejura and Robert Cann linked well on the right side and Tim Hunter was a constant threat on the left.

With Tom Pitchforth and debutant Matthew Stacey working well in midfield supporting striker Aidan Hopkinson it was a disappointed Slazenger that went into the half time interval with the score level. Second half Slazenger’s didn’t start as well and allowed the home side back into the game who were firing long range passes into the goal, hoping to pick up any loose balls. But for the composure of Danny Croxall and Chris Hopkinson in the Slaz defence the away team would have been struggling.

However, they persevered and started to get their passing game back and created several chances before a precise shot on goal by Tom Pitchforth was put into their own net by the Barnsley defence. There was time for a final scare when keeper Paul Corney had to keep 4 Barnsley attackers successfully at bay when the Slazenger defence decided to go AWOL.

Final score 1-0. Slazenger 4’s next game is at home against Airedale on 29/10 at 3.00pm.

Match Report

Slazenger’s Development team finished off the season in style with an impressive performance against local rivals Barnsley. Playing flowing hockey from the start, they quickly went on the offensive and created several goalscoring opportunities, through good link up play in midfield, with captain of the day Luke Gueli, orchestrating several penetrating attacks. Barnsley had their keeper to thank, for ensuring the game remained scoreless in the early minutes.

However, all this pressure did eventually pay off when Peter Gunning seized on a deflected shot within the goal mouth and gratefully put the ball in the net. Once in front Slazenger’s never looked back and continued to score at regular intervals during the game. Next on the score sheet was Isaac Fisher who again converted after an initial save from the Barnsley keeper. Left winger Alex Calderley capped a fine performance on the wing with the third goal just before half-time.

After the interval, Slazenger’s were momentarily caught off guard by a breakaway goal, defender Rowan Tejura deflecting a well hit shot on goal, away from the reach of Slazenger keeper Ralph Toon. Other than this one aberration the Slaz defence, also consisting of Danny Croxall and Dave Smyth, coped effectively with every other Barnsley attack.

Slazenger’s quickly got back on track when Paul Corney swept the ball into an open goal from the top of the goal mouth following great forward play from man of the match Robert Cann. Slaz continued to press for further goals applying lots of pressure down the right flank with Ian Hedges working tirelessly, and despite winning several penalty corners it needed another simple tap in at the far post from Peter Gunning again to make the final score 5-1 to the visitors.

If all results go their way Slazenger could well end up finishing 3rd in the development league in their debut season. Which is a great result for such a young team. Well done.

Match Report

No match report available.

Match Report

Slazenger’s first league game since the Christmas break was a spirited affair against Barnsley. Both teams were evenly matched. Barnsley enjoyed some early possession and quickly converted that pressure into a goal. Slazenger did respond to the set back and tried to start playing some quick, passing hockey. Unfortunately, after some attacking breaks in the opposition half they conceded two more sloppy goals. Both were very similar in that they left the defence isolated and Barnsley capitalised by leaving players up the field who converted their chances in front of goal.

For the last 10 minutes of the first half the Horbury side enjoyed the majority off possession and could have scored several goals but all opportunities were spurned. Luckily, a mis-timed shot from Robin Brearton sneaked through the keeper’s legs for a 3-1 half-time score. Barnsley started the second half strongly and were gifted a fourth goal when a mis-timed pass in defence put one of the Barnsley strikers in on goal. Both sides continued to press for additional goals and Slazenger’s, although creating further scoring opportunities, continued to live dangerously at the other end with goalkeeper Ralph Toon making a couple of telling saves.

Slazenger’s began to dominate for the rest of the game with relentless pressure but still didn’t have the clinical edge in front of goal, that they needed if they were to level the game. Fortunately, all the pressure did have some reward when Slazenger’s were awarded a penalty flick, which James Bennett duly converted, quickly followed by a football type celebration in the centre circle!!

Slazenger’s continued attacking strongly but failed to defend a simple pass up field from the Barnsley defence which was duly converted. The game ended 5-2 to Barnsley.

Match Report

Slazenger Development squad travelled to Barnsley on Saturday. After two matches against far stronger opponents, they were looking for a win to rebuild from, achieving this with a 3-2 victory over Barnsley 2nds.Slazenger started the match aggressively, controlling the play with quick passes and darting movement. However, Barnsley mustered a strong back line to deny a way through to goal. With such effort from the young front line, a break eventually came. A fast play from James Bennett and Matthew Smith was stopped by the keeper, only to be followed up by Isaac Fisher; securing the first goal.

The pressure was maintained throughout the first half, though a redoubled effort from the Barnsley back line held off the continued efforts of Slazenger. As with the first goal however, the relentless pressure paid off with Matthew Smith firing home a decisive second goal. The match was more closely fought than the score line suggested, and this deficit was rectified with two equalling goals from Barnsley; breaking through with co-ordinated play to defeat goalie Ralph Toon.

The second half started as the first had. With the addition of veteran Ian “Flash” Gordon, Slazenger continued to press. Barnsley looked as threatening as before, but with defensive superstar Rowan Tejura holding the line, there was no way through. Combination play coordinated by Robin Brearton looked to have secured the third, although it was disallowed. Even the cutting move from Andy Fisher and Ian Hedges found the woodwork, preventing a spectacular finish.

Finally, a third goal came from a great play which typified the growing teamwork of Slazenger. Passing play from Tim Hunter, Matthew Smith, and Robin Brearton quickly moved the ball, cutting straight through the midfield. Striker Isaac Fisher looked to secure his second goal, only to be denied by the keeper. The deflected ball was followed up by Ian Hedges, securing the winning goal.

Notable performances should also go to Paresh Tejura for his gazelle like midfield grace, Robert Cann for some great attacking play, and seasoned pro Nathan Crowther for a stalwart performance on the back line.