Mens 2nd XI

Match Report

Slazengers men’s 2’s faced a tough game on Saturday away at 2nd placed Barnsley but put in a battling performance to come away with a 3-2 victory. Slazengers started brightly when Paul Wiper put them ahead with an old school ‘Flockton Bus’ penalty corner but Barnsley fought back well to equalise midway through the half. The game turned into a midfield battle before Jimmy Swindon put Slaz ahead just before the break with a top quality individual effort, beating a number of players before burying a finish past the helpless keeper.

The second half was a tough affair with both teams battling hard to create chances. Barnsley gained the upper hand when Slaz skipper Ste Roberts was green carded but the defensive unit held well against a man advantage. Back up to full strength, Slaz won a penalty corner, Swindon stepping up and capping a man of the match performance with a drag flick into the postage stamp. There was still time for Barnsley to pull another goal back leading to a nervous last 5 minutes but Slaz held on for the win.

A special mention goes to Maff Birkett who only realised Slaz had won when told in the car half way home.

Match Report

The men's 2nd's hosted Barnsley, and were only able to take a point from the encounter. Slaz took the early initiative and pressured from the off, however struggled to convert the pressure. It was a Richard Tuddenham strike which put the side ahead. However, Barnsley worked themselves back into the game, to equalise with minutes before half time.

In the second half, it was the same story for the home side. With the majority of possession and pressure, but not able to find a winner. When a Barnsley player was red carded for violent conduct, things didn't get easier. With 10 players sat behind the ball, Barnsley sat back to protect the draw. Slaz were unable to score, and disappointingly were only able to take the draw.

The 2nd's look to return to winning ways next week with a double header against Doncaster and Sheffield Bankers.

Match Report

Slaz took the short trip down to Barnsley for a local derby of sorts. The game was scrappy from the off, with both sides struggling to find rhythm on the bumpy pitch. However, as time went on, the 2nd's began to play some progressive hockey, winning a short corner which was converted by Richard Tuddenham to put the visiting side ahead.

Slaz had sections of play which were their strongest of the season so far, with Jack Mumford and Skipper Ste Roberts coordinating play. Any attacking from Barnsley was tidied up through Matt Green at the back, with Keith Leonard outstanding at half and mopping up any Barnsley attacks. Minutes before the halftime whistle went, Slaz won a second short corner. A clever one-two with Ben Graham gave Tuddenham a clear strike on goal to put Slaz 2-0 up at the break.

The second half showcased some of the best hockey Slaz had played this season, and when an atrocious tackle saw Barnsley reduced to 10 men, Slaz capitalised, going close several times. Finally, Ian Hedges' cross found Jack Sumner to tap in at the back post.

Barnsley was able to take advantage of some favourable umpiring decisions to convert a short corner for a consolation goal. Slaz continued to have the stronger game into the final whistle. A breakaway attack by Ian Hedges setup Jack Mumford for a one on one with the goalkeeper. It looked all but scored, until the final whistle conveniently went, saving Barnsley's blushes.

A solid 3-1 victory which the 2nd's will look to take into the next game against Doncaster 4th's.

Match Report

Slaz 2nd's took the short trip to local rivals Barnsley for a 2nd vs 3rd place league encounter. Slaz were the first to lead; a rapid attack from Ben Jackson left Barnsley for dead, setting Asad Baig up to net his first. Barnsley replied with a messy goal to equalise. With an evenly contested game, it was down to some judicious home umpiring decisions to tip the balance and help Barnsley ahead, handing out undeserved green cards to the visitors like confetti. Slaz remained composed, and Ben Jackson finished a smart move to draw level before the break.

In the second half, Slaz tried to find a rhythm, but struggled against a defensive back line of umpiring decisions. Creative midfielder Amir Khalil battled against the brunt of agricultural tackles, and when Barnsley scored a third and Slaz received further spurious cards, it looked like the points were slipping away. However, Slaz continued to battle hard, and a reverse ball from Ian Hedges reached Asad Baig who smashed the ball in the back of the net to equalise, seconds before full time. A challenging game for the team, however their fighting spirit keeps them in 2nd place and 7 points clear.

Match Report

Slazenger mens 2nd team continued their good start to the season with a comprehensive 7-0 win at home to Barnsley 1's. Slazenger settled quickly and some good team play resulted in a penalty corner which was duly converted by Asad Baig. Further penalty corner goals came through Ben Graham and Damo Greig with Baig grabbing his second from open play after a defensive lapse. Slazenger keeper Harry Buttery was called into action towards the end of the half but did well to protect his clean sheet after a Barnsley attacker found space in the 'D'.

Slazenger continued their good play in the 2nd half, Greig put in a man of the match performance sat in front of the defensive line with some excellent distribution throughout and the attacking line continued to cause problems for the Barnsley defence. Baig completed his hat-trick and Greig grabbed a 2nd but goal of the game came from Will Gascoigne who picked the ball up in the 'D' and produced some skill to open up a space to slot the ball home. Slazenger will look to continue their good form away at Sheffield University Bankers on Saturday.

Match Report

Sunday saw Slazenger entertain Barnsley in the cup quarter finals. Slazenger were on top early and took the lead when Ben Graham converted a penalty corner.

Owen Bland quickly made it 2 with a top quality reverse stick strike from a narrow angle and when Graham grabbed his second shortly afterwards, Slazenger were in total control. Mark Hammond scored a good individual goal before Barnsley got back into the game with an excellent finish much to the frustration of Buttery in the Slazenger goal.

The 2nd half was much the same with Slazenger controlling the ball and further goals from Hammond, Ben Jackson (2) and Amir Khalil saw Slazenger run out comfortable 8-1 winners.

Match Report

Cancelled as Barnsley 1 withdrew from the league

Match Report

Slazenger mens 2nds had a tough home encounter with Barnsley 1st’s, though were unfortunately run out 4-0.

The scoreline does not entirely reflect the game, as for large stretches of the match, Slaz looked to be in control of the game. A series of defensive slips in the first 20 minutes allowed Barnsley to capitalise and net 2. The goals did work to spurr the team on, though unfortunately, the pressure could not be converted into goals. Shots from Simon Randall, and Byron Dean went agonisingly close, but to no avail.

In the second half, the story was similar. Hard work from Slaz could not overcome the defensive line, and Barnsley’s midfield contested strongly in the middle of the park. The horbury side was missing the usual smooth passing and co-ordinated play, giving them a weaker midfield to attack from. In the latter part of the second half, another series of mistakes by the home team allowed Barnsley to break from the midfield, and punished the lack of co-ordination from the back line.

While Man-of-the-Match Giles “Fodder” Field worked hard to keep the team in the game, it was only a matter of time until he was overrun, with Barnsley securing the win with 2 more well taken goals.

Slaz will look to get back to more successful ways next week away at Leeds University.

Match Report

No match report available.