Report: Mens 2nd's (0) vs (4) LA Metros


Published: Saturday, 22 January 2005

Posted by Slazenger Admin  at  22:14 [0 comments]


Slazenger’s seconds suffered a disappointing defeat at the hands of LA Metros
thirds in a game where the four nil score line was not a true reflection
of the game. Slazenger’s were equal to their opposition in all respects,
creating more chances and having plenty of possession but were just unable
to make the final breakthrough.

Slazenger’s started well and nearly took the lead in the first ten minutes, with
Ben Graham deflecting a Ben Garside through ball onto the post. Richard Hutchins also came close, forcing the Metros keeper to make a number of strong saves. Metros took the lead against the run of play however through a penalty flick, home keeper Lee Secker almost keeping the ball out only for it to drop just over the goal line.

Slazenger’s continued to play good possession hockey but went in at half time a goal down.

The second half was much the same as the first, Slazenger’s playing good hockey
and creating chances only to fail to find the final breakthrough. Metros
eventually scored a disputed second goal, and after Richard Hutchins’ indiscipline, which got him sent off, Metro's scored two late goals to complete a scoreline, which Slazenger’s didn't deserve. Tim Carr took the man of the match award and Neil Hutchins was strong in the centre of defence.

Slazenger’s have a tough few weeks ahead having to play runaway leaders Sheffield Hallam, twice, with a huge relegation crunch match against Halifax sandwiched in between. These games coming when a number of regular players are unavailable.

Labels: , ,



Report: Mens 2nd's vs Sheff. Bankers 5th's


Published: Saturday, 15 January 2005

Posted by Slazenger Admin  at  22:11 [0 comments]


Slazenger’s seconds traveled to Sheffield Uni Bankers looking for a much improved performance and that is exactly what they got. A new coaching team coupled with a huge team effort saw Slazenger’s walk away with a four nil victory against a team who had beaten them by five goals earlier in the season.

Slazenger’s began the game in confident mood and were immediately on the pace, creating an early one on one chance only for the home keeper to make a good save. Slazenger’s continued to press and showed real composure on the ball, something which had been lacking so far this season. They managed to take the lead midway through the first half, Rich Hutchins finishing well after some great build up play. A minute later, Slazenger’s found the net again, Ben Graham with a smart finish to beat the home keeper for a two nil lead which they kept until the half time break.

As has happened so many times this season, Slazenger’s started the second half sluggishly with Bankers having some continued pressure. The Slazenger keeper, Tom Penistone, made a string of fine saves to keep the home side out, notably from a Buckley lob.

Slazenger’s realised they had to raise their game and began to produce hockey that has so far this season been lacking. Richard Hutchins grabbing his second from a
well worked short corner, with Ben Graham completing his double from another short corner strike for a four nil victory. Garside, Birkett and White all worked well but it was keeper Penistone who took the man of the match spoils, followed closely by Graham.

Slazenger will take great confidence from what was by far their best performance of the season and will look to take this form into next weeks game at home to LA Metro.

Labels: , ,



Report: Mens 2nd's vs Airedale


Published: Saturday, 8 January 2005

Posted by Slazenger Admin  at  22:33 [0 comments]


Slazenger’s seconds suffered a disappointing loss at the hands of Airdale I, a result which leaves them in a precarious position at the bottom of the table. The game started well with Slazenger’s dominating early on and creating a number of chances, with Rich Hutchins giving Slazenger’s the lead midway through the half with a great top corner strike.

Slazenger’s continued to play well but failed to convert any more chances. However they still went in at the end of the first half, one nil up. As has happened so many times this year, though, Slazenger let the lead slip. Airdale drawing level with a well worked short corner routine and then taking the lead midway through the second half.

Slazenger’s continued to press but lacked shape and struggled to make a breakthrough. Airdale eventually wrapping the game up with a break away goal late on.

Slazenger’s have now lost after being ahead at half time on five occasions this season, something that they need to work on if they are to avoid relegation.

Labels: , , ,