Slazenger
vs.
Huddersfield Dragons 2
All Fixtures
Match Report
Slazenger travelled the short distance to Huddersfield for their most recent fixture. After a less than stellar performance last week, the team were looking to put in a stronger showing. Huddersfield were no pushover and like the meeting of two heavyweights, the game was a blow for blow battle which left both sides even by the final whistle.
It was Huddersfield who went ahead with an unfortunate first goal, however strong work from James Swinden and Paul Wiper in the middle won a short corner minutes later. Ben Graham was on hand at the back post to equalise after the first shot was blocked by the opposition goalie.
The game continued to be finely balanced, with both sides having opportunities. James Stevenson and Aleks Thomson both went close, but the Huddersfield goalkeeper put in a frustratingly strong performance. With Slaz unable to find a way through, it was Huddersfield who scored a second from a breakaway goal. However, with the game so finely balanced, it wasn't long before Ian Hedges stole the ball, and setup Richard Tuddenham to slot the ball away to equalise for a second time.
Not to be outdone however, Huddersfield pressed for a winner. Matt Green and Birkett at the back mopped up well. However they were undone when somewhat against the run of play, the ball dribbled in at the back post for a third Huddersfield goal. Again, Slazenger worked hard and a third goal was the reward; this time, Tuddenham netted from a short corner. Slazenger continued to battle hard and looked close to taking the result in the dying minutes, but Huddersfield hung on for a share of the points.
Match Report
After two wins on the bounce, the 2nds hosted huddersfield 2s for another battle of wits and guile. Under a gentle autumnal sun, the teams met. Huddersfield had the push, and started brightly, but Slaz employed a series of flowing pases to setup an early short corner. A sign of the determination from last week perhaps. However, this clearly pushed Huddersfield to react, clinically beating goalkeeper Walker to go one ahead.
Slazenger redouble their efforts, and there were signs of life aim in the team. Some fanatic link up play set up Aleks Thompson to pick out an aerial pass and slot it into the back of the net on the volley.
Huddersfield fought back to take the lead once more, this time with 'keeper Walker turning the ball into his own net. With 10 minutes to go, it wasn't looking good for the home side. However a last minute revival was spurred when James Stevenson beat the goalkeeper to slot away a second. With minutes remaining, Slaz surged forward, pressing the momentum and looking for an equaliser. With seconds left on the clock, a final penalty corner was won.
As the forward line positioned for the corner, the call went out for 'the torpedo'. Up came young Adam Drake. The seconds ticked down. The ball was injected to the top of the circle. Drake stood ready. He strook the ball cleanly. As the vital seconds ticked away, he drilled the ball into the bottom left of the goal equalising the game. A once a decade goal, and the perfect time to score it. The win keeps the 2nd unbeaten run alive as they go into the half term break weekend.
Match Report
Slazenger took the short drive to Huddersfield for an encounter with the top of the table side. However, Slazenger carried a 7 game undefeated streak and confidence.
Under the shadow of Emely moor mast, the fixture started. Slazenger started on the front foot, with the top line applying pressure to the Huddersfield side and forcing errors. Richard Tuddenham scored from a characteristic strike from open play, beating the goalkeeper to put the visitors ahead. Shortly afterwards, Tuddenham had a second strike, but this time the goalkeeper got a pad to it, with the ball being pounced on by Jack Sumner to make it 2-0. Slaz continued to pressure the ball, with Tuddenham scoring a second from a powerful short corner strike.
The second half saw Huddersfield come out in force; creating more chances and forcing Darren Buttery to pull of a handful of saves to keep his clean sheet in sight. Tuddenham wrapped up his hat trick with a final penalty corner strike, giving Slazenger a 4 goal cushion. However, Slaz continued to play the passing, attacking hockey and didn't let up.
Newcomer Ryan Bishop rounded the keeper, beating him and slotting the ball away to make it 5. With time still on the clock, a final penalty corner was won by the visiting side. Tuddenham played Ben Graham into space, who neatly finished to close out the result 6-0. A well fought result, where even Buttery cracked a smile at his clean sheet!
Slaz go into the break in 6th place, with a single win (and 3 points) separating them from 2nd place.
Squad
FG 40'
Match Report
A weakened Mens' 2nd's hosted local side Huddersfield 2nd's on Saturday. The home side were short of several key midfielders and it showed in the organisation on the pitch. Slaz worked hard, and when they moved the ball quick, they posed a serious threat to the visitors. An early goal from Richard Tuddenham showed that the team had goal scoring opportunities available. Tuddenham followed up later in the second half, to put Slaz 2-1 up at half time. Early in the second half however Tuddenham was injured and Huddersfield were able to capitalise, netting 3 more goals in the process. Slaz travel to Sheffield next week, looking to get their first points of the season.
Match Report
The men's 2nds returned to the pitch after a frozen weekend. Unfortunately however, the new years that was still apparent, as a commanding 2 goal advantage was overturned to lost out 4-3.
Slaz took a lead through a brace by Ian Hedges within 10 minutes; assists from Mark Hammond and Ben Jackson. However Huddersfield went into the break 2-1 behind, after a defensive lapse. The second half started as the first, with Slaz making a lightening fast attack which Ben Jackson capitalised on, rounding the keeper to net.
However the rust crept back in, with several defensive lapses allowing Huddesfield back into the game. With Slaz missing the clinical finish to convert at the other end, they had to settle for the bitter taste of a defeat which could have been so easily a different story.
Match Report
Slazenger Mens 2nds had an ill-tempered encounter with their opposite numbers from Huddersfield. Slaz started poorly, having to absorb the strength of an attacking Huddersfield team. However, some strong defensive play allowed the team to settle and begin to make progress. A breakaway goal from Asad Baig put the team ahead 15 minutes in. This settled the team, and Slaz began to play some more expansive passing hockey in spells. However, Huddersfield continued to be a threat and equalised before half time.
In the second half, Slaz failed to play the self assured hockey of previous weeks, and Huddersfield took advantage of 2 breaks to put themselves in a commanding lead. Tempers frayed and it appeared to be an even larger mountain to climb when Baig was carded and the team were reduced to 10 men to battle on. However, some strong attacking work by Ben Jackson and Ian Hedges, put Captain Ben Graham in to score a brace; 1 from open play, and the second from a penalty flick to equalise the game.
Unfortunately, it was not to be and a defensive error gave Huddersfield a short corner in the final minute from which they took the spoils. Slaz look to get back to form next week with a double header: away at Harrogate and then at home on Sunday in the Cup quarter finals.
Match Report
Slazenger mens 2nd team made it two wins from two with a deserved 2-1 victory away at Huddersfield Dragons. Huddersfield were the stronger side during the early exchanges but it was Slazenger who took the lead when Asad Baig fired home a penalty corner. Slazenger were buoyed by this and put Huddersfield under further pressure and doubled their lead with an excellent team goal.
Some quick exchanges between the midfield found Baig who thread a ball through for Ben Jackson on the right wing. He attacked the circle and drew the keeper before playing in Sam Haigh to finish in an open net giving Slazenger a 2-0 halftime lead. Slazenger were put under pressure early in the 2nd half and Huddersfield pulled one back when Slazenger couldn't clear a penalty corner. Slazenger didn't let their heads drop however and came close to a 3rd when Ben Graham's shot came back off the post but still did enough to hold on for the win. Sam Haigh took the man of the match award followed closely by Ben Stevenson.
Match Report
Slazenger men's 2nd team returned from their Christmas break at home to Huddersfield on Saturday with the final score in an entertaining game being 3-3. Slazenger started slowly and were duly punished when Huddersfield scored from a short corner however captain Ben Graham quickly got them back level, nicking the ball from the Huddersfield defender to break clear and score.
The sides were level at the break but Slazenger started the 2nd half strongly and took the lead through an Asad Baig short corner strike. Slazenger continued to press and scored their 3rd when Ian Hedges found himself unmarked at the back post for an easy finish. Huddersfield weren't to be denied however and fought back well for a draw.
Squad
Match Report
Slazenger Men's 2nd team travelled to Huddersfield Dragons 2's on Saturday looking to build on the previous weeks victory but in truth were well beaten by a good Huddersfield side. Slazenger started brightly and forced the Dragons keeper into a couple of early saves but Huddersfield quickly found their feet and began to control the game.
A combination of pace in attack and a well drilled midfield meant Huddersfield were 3-0 up towards the end of the half but Slazenger pulled one back through Ben Graham to give them hope at the break. Slazenger revised their formation in the 2nd half and although were comfortable in defence, struggled to create anything going forward meaning the score line stayed at 3-1.
Slazenger will need to find a couple of wins in the coming weeks to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle.
Match Report
Slazenger Men's 2nd team entertained unbeaten league leaders Huddersfield Dragons 2'nds and came out with a resounding 5-0 victory. Slazengers started brightly and were determined to keep Huddersfield under pressure working hard across all areas of the pitch to deny Huddersfield time to settle. Slazengers broke the deadlock when Ian Hedges cleaned up a messy short corner routine and they were soon 2-0 up again from a short corner, this time Matt Stacey finishing things off. Huddersfield pressed and created a number of chances themselves but found Slazengers keeper Andy Loftus in outstanding form with a string of top class saves to keep them at bay.
The 2'nd half saw Huddersfield dominate possession for large periods but again the Slazengers defence and keeper held firm. Slazengers were happy to attack on the break and got their third through an excellent attacking move down the right, Ben Jackson created the chance giving Hedges an easy finish for his 2nd. Daz Buttery got Slazengers 4th with a first time shoulder height finish after the ball had taken a deflection off a defenders stick and Hedges completed his hat trick, again from a short corner.
Slazengers keeper Andy Loftus took a deserved man of the match award.
