Slazenger
vs.
Sheffield 4
All Fixtures
Match Report
After a 6 week break over the Christmas period, it was clear that the 2nds had been impacted by some rich living and turkey as they warmed up on a damp Saturday morning. Away, Sheffield had been a slick outfit with some strong, youthful players who had troubled the slightly older 2nds. However as the game got going, it was clear that the travelling side was a little lighter in midfield maestros, and so Slazenger got go work.
It wasn't long before the home side took the lead. A well placed pass from left wing Ian Hedges found James Stevenson to deftly beat the keeper with a well taken strike. While this looked to have set up Slazenger for a strong half, that was the only goal until the break. A little rust, a lot of turkey, and a helping of bad luck kept Slaz from converting any further goals.
Sheffield weren't a spent force, and threatened several times. Going into the second half, there was always the risk of a bad spell letting the visitors back into the game. However, Slaz continued to find good spells of hockey, Richard Tuddenham selflessly playing Stevenson into space, for him to beat the keeper and dribble it into the back of the net for his second. In the ten minutes that followed, 3 more goals went in. Richard Tuddenham got 2; 1 from a penalty corner strike and 1 from a flowing move which freed him up to slot it past the keeper. Sheffield netted one in response showing they were still a threat.
Sheffield scored a second quickly after and looked to be forging a bit of a comeback before James Swinden beat 3 players and smashed the ball into the roof of the net to make it 5 and extend the lead. Sheffield battled until the end, and with legs tiring, Slaz had to hold on to the final whistle, but took the win and points.
Squad
Match Report
Slazenger 2nds travelled to Sheffield looking to bounce back from a couple of lack lustre results. However, it wasn\\\\\\\'t to be with the hosts running out comprehensive winners. Sheffield took the early initiative with a pair of well taken goals, before a trademark Richard Tuddenham strike pulled the team back into contention. However, when Slazenger capitalised on the goal to score a second, which was disallowed, the team struggled to find another gear.
Sheffield with the wind in their sales scored further goals, with the visitors unable to gain momentum and find that killer spark. Slazenger 2nds will look to put the early games to bed when they hosted Chesterfield next week.
Match Report
Slazenger 2nd's hosted table topping Sheffield 4th's for their first game of 2025. With a strong record, Sheffield were a real challenge for the home side. Things looked bad, when Sheffield's attacking front line put on early pressure, scoring through some individual skill, beating 3 slazenger defenders in the process. The game looked to be going south, when Sheffield's front line strung a series of passing moves together to put a second and then a third goal on the board.
This was the kick that slazenger needed to get organised; beginning to play more of the passing hockey that helped them to a strong 2024 finish. The result of this was 2 goals netted by Richard Tuddenham. However, with several more chances going agonisingly close, or hitting the post, Slaz were not able to convert the other chances they had. By the end of the first half, Sheffield had added a further 2 goals to their tally from a further field goal and a penalty stroke.
The second half was a completely different game. Slaz came out with more aggression and energy. Tuddenham kicked off the scoring, with a well taken strike from open play. Sheffield fought back with a goal of their own, but Jack Sumner, Ben Graham and Richard Tuddenham all scored within 10 minutes to put Sheffield under pressure and equalise at 6-6.
It was Slaz who had the wind behind them at this point. The team dug deep and kept Sheffield under pressure, forcing errors and looking for the elusive winner. With five minutes remaining on the clock, the winner came from a surprising place. A penalty corner was won, and Matthew Green put the ball in the back of the net after a scramble in the goalmouth.
Match Report
Slazenger Seconds maintained their 100 percent record thanks to a 1-0 win at home to Sheffield Hallam Fourths in a top-of-the-table clash.
It was a far from convincing display from Slazenger who snatched victory through Andy Foreman.
Centre forward Gilston thought he had doubled Slazenger's lead but his celebrations were cut short by the umpire.
The midfield of Jonny White, David Kaye and Paul Wiper performed well, as did goalkeeper Tom Peniston who was duly awarded the man of the match honours with several fantastic saves.
Match Report
Slazenger seconds gained a Yorkshire League 4 lifeline with a 4-2 victory over Sheffield Hallam. Gav Kay picked out Alec Gilston for the opening score off a well-worked short corner.
Sheffield's set piece was pretty effective as well and gained them two goals through Slazenger managed to equalise through Mark Butel just before half-time. White, Smith and Graham took a firm grip of the midfield in the second half which led to match-winning goals for Gilston and man of the match Jonny Clewlow. Slazenger seconds are away to Driffield firsts on Saturday, push back 3pm.
Match Report
Slazenger second’s disappointing away form continued with a 2-1 reversal at Sheffield fourths. Slazenger should take positives from the encounter, however, in the guise of Paul Wiper and man of the match Bob Wood who were outstanding.
Sheffield opened the scoring, but Slazenger got back into contention with a deflected equaliser from Richard Whawell.
Tempers frayed in the second half and twice Sheffield were reduced to ten men, but while Slazenger spurned their chances the hosts made to most of theirs to clinch the win.
Match Report
Battling Slazenger seconds showed amazing resilience to gain a 2-2 draw from their meeting with Sheffield fourths and were unfortunate to miss out on maximum points. Scorers were Hanley and James Swinden. Slazenger will look to build in their impressive performance at Ben Rhydding on Saturday.
Match Report
Slazenger seconds struggled to get into their stride against hosts Sheffield fourths. And as a result, they trailed 2-0 at half time and slumped to a heavy 5-0 defeat.
Birkett had a great chance to open Slazenger’s account early in the second half but wasted an open goal chance. That was pretty much the story of the second half, Slazenger creating chances but failing to tuck them away.
Goalkeeper John Bagshaw took the man of the match award despite the scoreline – no else deserved it. On Saturday, Slazenger seconds travel to York fourths, push back 2pm.
