Report: Mens 1st's (2) vs (8) Driffield 1st's


Published: Saturday, 26 September 2009

Posted by Slazenger Admin  at  12:25 [0 comments]


Slazengers mens first XI travelled to Driffield for their first league game of the campaign only to see the game descend into an almost farcical situation. Having travelled with only 11 players after a player had pulled out on Saturday morning, they soon found themselves down to 10 after Jonny White was injured in the first 5 minutes of the game. This was compounded by the fact that captain Will Buckley pulled a hamstring mid way through the first half leaving Slaz with only 9 fit players. This told throughout the half and although Slaz battled well, they found themselves 3-0 down at the break although 2 of these goals could easily have been avoided as they were results of defensive errors.

The second half began with Slazengers attempting to find some pride and soon pulled one back with Ben Graham converting Phil Midgleys excellent ball. Driffield soon added another only for Paul Wiper to convert a short corner to give Slazengers a bit of hope. This was short lived however after Wiper was sent off following a difference of opinion with the umpire. Almost laughably, Slazengers lost their third player to injury, John Sykes catching a fierce shot on the elbow and with Wiper left on the sidelines to the end of the game, Slazengers found themselves down to just 6 fit outfield players with the best part of 20 minutes left to play. The lack of numbers told and Driffield ran in a further 4 goals to end up 8-2 winners although without
the efforts of man of the match James Walker in goal, this could have been a lot worse.

With no league game next week, Slazengers will hope that Sundays cup game against Leeds will give them chance to rest some of their injured players with a hope to getting back to full strength the following week.

from (Ben Graham)

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Report: Mens 1st's (5) vs (4) Sheff' Hallam 4th's


Published: Saturday, 19 September 2009

Posted by Slazenger Admin  at  12:31 [0 comments]


 Slazengers mens first team completed their pre-season program with a hard fought but well deserved 5-4 victory away at Sheffield Hallam IV. Going into the game with a weakened team, Slazengers could have feared a big defeat, especially after going 2-0 down relatively early on but this seemed to inspire them to play their best hockey of the season so far.

As the first half progressed, Slazengers controlled the possession well and began to create chances although seemed to be lacking the final touch in front of goal. It wasn't until John Sykes got the final touch of a goal mouth scramble to take the score to 2-1 at half time that Slazengers began to believe in themselves. The second half began as the first had ended with chances being created, Paul Wiper eventually converting a short corner to tie the scores. Hallem then began to create opportunities themselves and scored two quick goals, both of which Slazengers will feel they could have prevented. Again though, this only spurred Slazengers into action, Sykes grabbed his second from the top of the 'D' after good work by Rob Stevens before Wiper once again tied the scores with a thunderous drive following a mazy run from Slazengers captain Will Buckley.

By now Slazengers sensed victory and continued to press and it fell to centre back Phil Midgley to seal the win after he deflected a shot into the roof of the net. Quite what he was doing so far up the pitch remains in question but Slazengers wont be complaining. Alex Mann deservedly took the man of the match award after a tireless performance in midfield. Slazengers begin their league campaign at Driffield and will be looking to build on what was a solid performance and good victory. 

from (Ben Graham)

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Report: Mens 1st's (1) vs (2) Chapeltown 2nd's


Published: Saturday, 12 September 2009

Posted by Slazenger Admin  at  12:42 [0 comments]


Slazengers mens first eleven continued their preperations for the new season with a tough game against a strong Chapletown team, eventually going down 2-1 although things could have been very different for Slazengers.

The first half started with Slazengers taking the initiative, controlling the possession well and creating chances. The Chapletown keeper was called into action making a good save from a Ben Graham snapshot, and keeping out a number of short corners. The pressure eventually told however with Jack Kitchen converting at the back post after the keeper had been left stranded.

As the half went on Chapletown began creating chances of their own with James Walker making a fine save, deflecting the shot onto the crossbar only to be beaten shortly afterwards, again making the initial save but the
defence were unable to clear and Chapeltown converted the loose ball.

The second half became a bit scrappy and with the sun beating down, Slazengers became visibly tired and resorted to long balls, failing to play the passing game that had seen them controlling the game for the majority of the first half. John Sykes did well upfront for Slazengers but with little support most of the time, found it difficult to break the Chapletown defence down. Slazengers continued to battle and it was only a breakaway goal with the defence outnumbered that saw Chapletown score the winner.

Both teams will feel they could have done better but in what will be a re-building season, Slazengers will be looking to build on the excellent possession hockey they played in parts of the game.

from (Ben Graham)

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Report: Mens 1st XI (1) vs LA Carnegie (5)


Published: Saturday, 5 September 2009

Posted by Slazenger Admin  at  18:10 [0 comments]


After a difficult season last year which saw Slazengers mens hockey first string lose 8 of their starting 11 resulting in the inevitable relegation, they were looking to start the new season with a fresh confidence. The first friendly of the year was against higher league opposition in the form of LA Carnegie 2 and could quite easily have ended in a demoralising defeat after Slazengers found themselves 3-0 down after barely 10 minutes had passed. A change of formation however and a team spirit built during difficult times last season spurred Slazengers into action and midfield anchor Jonny White slowly began to take control, spreading the ball well and ensuring Slazengers kept some good possession. Some strong runs from Paul Wiper led to a number of short corner and when he was upended in the 'D', a penalty stroke was awarded. Veteran Simon Chamberlain stepped forward to convert the flick ensuring Slazengers went into the break 3-1 down.

The second half was more of an end to end affair with chances going to both sides, LA Carnegie scored first to increase their lead but were again pegged back after a second penalty stroke was awarded. This time Paul Wiper stepped forward to convert the chance. Slazengers continued to press but a late breakaway by LA Carnegie to take the score to 5-2 resulted in a final score that didn't fully reflect the game.

Jack Mumford had an excellent debut game in goal as did Jack Kitchen, manipulising the ball well down the left of midfield. Although the final result was a defeat, Slazengers will take a lot of positives from the game and will look to build on them in the coming weeks.

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