Mens 2nd XI

Match Report

Slazenger 2nd's hosted Brigg 2nd's in what has been a traditionally close fought battle between the two sides. However it was the hosts who ran out comfortable 5-0 winners.

With the preceding game cancelled, there was a reasonable amount of time to allow the aging 2nds time to warm up. Some even went as far as to claim it was too warm. However, under the unseasonably warm autumn morning, the 2nds got to work. Owen Wiper once again was strong on the right and caused problems on the wing, while Ste Roberts Ben Graham and James Swinden provided a solid midfield  against any Brigg threats. Ben Graham was the first to draw blood with a well taken strike into the bottom corner and quickly followed it up with the daintiest of deflections to beat the keeper and put Slazenger 2-0 to the good. Brigg battled hard, and their keeper produced a series of strong saves to keep the game locked at 2-0 at the break.

The second half was another display of strong progressive passing hockey from Slazenger, which gave plenty of attacking changes. However Brigg defended well and limited the number of chances to convert the possession.

Jack Sumner converted the third from a penalty corner, which opened up a gap with the visitors. Ian Hedges wrapped up the scoring with a brace. The first a thunderous strike which ricochet off the crossbar, and a second short corner strike which somehow found it's way in at the back post.

Another strong game for the seconds, with a clean sheet for goalkeeper James Walker, which moves them to the top of the table. Next week sees Slaz take on Barnsley in a top of the table battle.

Match Report

The 2nds continued their greatly anticipated tour of the most distant hockey pitches in Lincolnshire, this week dropping by Brigg to inspect their facilities. While slightly closer than last weeks Horncastle, it was nonetheless another decent journey and so was important the team came away with a win. The team were slightly understrength due to the long league campaign taking a toll on the more geriatric members of the team. However, Owen Wiper and Jez Whawell ably stepped up to the 2nds to plug the gaps.

The game was physical from the off. While hockey is a non-contact sport, these rules get increasingly more relaxed the further you travel east... or so it appeared. Brigg were industrious on the ball and agricultural off it. Slaz worked hard to counter this, moving the ball around quickly. However, an experienced Brigg midfield made it challenging to break through and for much of the first half, there were no chances coming. Unfortunately, at the other end, Brigg counter attacked, found a gap and took full advantage of it to take the lead.

As with last week though, Slazenger were not going to lay down, especially when this was 4th vs 5th and every point counts! The team continued to work hard, and over time gained the upper hand. The work-rate created opportunities, leading to Richard Tuddenham netted an equaliser after good build-up play from Ben Graham. Slazenger were the more productive team as the game went on, creating better opportunities. Ste Robert, Adam Drake and Will Buckley mopped up well to keep Brigg out and up top, Man of the Match Owen Wiper impressed on his debut.

Slazenger stayed composed as the game drew on, and it was Ben Graham who created the opportunity for Tuddenham to force his way through the defence and net a second.

Slazenger look to carry this work rate into next weeks game against Chesterfield.

Match Report

Slaz hosted Brigg for an end to end encounter. However they were to rue a combination of defensive lapses and less than effective penalty corner routines! Slazenger started the brighter, and moved the ball well in space. With the sun setting, it created challenging conditions and forced Slaz to move methodically up the pitch. This was the source of the first goal, when Jack Sumner was setup early to slot away the first goal. However Brigg took advantage of several defensive lapses to net 3 in quick succession to go into the break ahead.

Slazenger played some better hockey in the second half, and won several short corners. However, the team struggled to convert the opportunities, with the Brigg keeper pulling off some strong saves. with 5 minutes to go, Ian Hedges was able to convert a second goal, but by this time, Brigg had found the net twice more to open up an unassailable lead. Slaz look to get back to winning ways next week against Chesterfield

Match Report

Two spells of ten minutes in each half was the difference between a commanding win and the 4-4 draw against second place Brigg at Slazenger HC. Slazenger controlled the game wall, and scored at regular intervals during the game. Goals came from Richard Tuddenham, James Swinden (2) and Jack Mumford. However, a ten minute period in the first and second half allowed Brigg to score 4 of their own. However it is another vital point which solidifies Slazenger's 3rd place in the league.

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Match Report

Fresh from their hard fought draw the day before, Slaz anticipated a tough semi final against a team unbeaten in their league. However, it turned out to be a fruitful day for the hosts, who came out 9-0 victors.

Slaz continued to play their fast flowing hockey, which Brigg 2nds had no response to.

Amir Khalil dominated midfield and netted 1, along with Ian Hedges (2), Harry Gunning (1), Asad Baig (3), Matt Green (1), Will Buckley (1).

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Match Report

Slazenger’s seconds suffered another disappointing defeat at the hands of Brigg seconds in a game that they should have so easily won. The game started at a good pace with Slazenger’s making some strong in roads into the Brigg defence and justifiably took the lead through Tim Carr. They then doubled the lead midway through the first half, with Richard Hutchins executing a great reverse stick finish after some good build up play. Brigg pulled one back before Slazenger’s took a 3-1 lead, Carr grabbing his second with a subtle finish, which surprised even himself.

The second half was a different story however with Brigg dominating from the off. They had a 15-minute spell in which they created chance after chance with the conclusion being Slazenger’s found themselves 4-3 down midway through the second half. They did however manage to raise their game and draw level, Hutchins grabbing his second from the penalty spot. The game was there for the taking in the final ten minutes but it was Brigg who snatched it with a penalty flick in the final minutes.

Ben Graham took “the man of the match” honours for Slazenger and Mathew Birkett used his head well throughout the game. Slazenger’s will look to the Christmas break to try and solve their problems in closing out games, something which they will have to do if they are to break clear of the relegation positions.

Match Report

The story of Slazenger’s seconds season continued as they once again failed to capitalise on some good hockey to go down one nil at home to Brigg seconds. The game started well for Slazenger creating early chances, which saw them have a goal disallowed, and a fierce strike by Andy Foreman cleared off the line by the Brigg defence.

The second half started and as so often has happened this season, Slazenger found themselves conceding an early goal. This meant Slazenger had to chase the game and despite some great penetration round the back by Ben Garside, the failure to find the final ball was beginning to frustrate the home side. The lack of a natural centre forward told as chances went begging with the home side left ruing what could have been a comfortable victory.

Slazenger find themselves in the relegation zone after only four games and will have to find some form in front of goal if they are to make any sort of impression this term.

Match Report

Slazenger 2nds travelled away to Brigg looking to bounce back after suffering their first defeat of the season the previous week at the hands of Lincoln. Slazenger started strongly and took a well-deserved lead with Tim Carr finishing off a well-worked move. Slazenger continued to control the game and doubled their lead with James Walker turning in a well placed Jonny White cross.

A third came just before the break with Rich Hutchins converting a penalty flick. The second half started as the first finished with continued pressure from the visitors with Ben Graham and Dave Kaye starting to puck up the pace.

The fourth came with Huchins being in the right place at the right time. Slazenger then took their foot off the gas and allowed Brigg to play some hockey which was duly rewarded with a couple of well taken goals, the second well finished by Matt Birkett.

Slaz’ responded by picking up their play and restoring their three goal advantage with Hutchins completing his hat trick before Brigg managed a late consolation.

Slaz 3rds aim to maintain their push for promotion at home on Saturday against York University.

Match Report

Slazenger 2nds had an early opportunity to get over Saturday’s disastrous home defeat with a second-round Yorkshire 2nd XI Cup match at Addingford fields against Brigg 2nds on Sunday.

The game was a corker but the result went Brigg’s way.

Will Buckley’s cool head in defence was a key feature of Slazenger’s play.

As the game entered the final third either side could have nabbed the winner but it was Brigg who capitalised on a quick break after a Slazenger short corner had broken down and scored the only goal of the game.

Slazenger pressed hard and were unlucky not to force a replay then Stu Howie was fouled in the D and then Andy Birkett’s reverse flick rolled agonisingly the wrong side of the post.

Match Report

A 2-0 home defeat by Brigg seconds was an unfortunate result for Slazenger’s second string as it failed to reflect one of the side’s finest performances of the season. Slazenger’s attack produced attractive, penetrating hockey full of flair and enthusiasm but it just wasn’t enough to topple Brigg.

Match Report

Slazenger were caught out early in the game after a long journey down the M180 and they never recovered. The home side struck early on and their blend of youth and experience showed on the Astroturf pitch, catching Slazenger cold. As Slazenger recovered, Ian Boothroyd gave the Brigg defence problems, while at the other end, the Slazenger defence worked well in the second half, with George Stephens in goal making a number of good saves. Slazenger can look forward to their home game with Farsley on Saturday with confidence.

Match Report

Slazenger struggled from the outset – fielding a much-changed side against robust opposition. Brigg exposed the Slazenger defence with a quick break to take a fifth minute lead.

Both defences struggled on a narrow uneven pitch which led to an end-to-end game with chances at both ends. Matthew Green and Mark Swallow worked overtime to keep Brigg at bay but the Slazenger defence was breached again late in the game by the Brigg left winger. Slazenger launched a late offensive but could only pull one goal back from a Porter penalty flick.