Huddersfield 2nd XI (10) - (0) Slazengers 2nd XI
Huddersfield 2XI bounced back from a disappointing performance last week at Wakefield with what only can be described as a goal fest to a shell shocked Slazengers. Huddersfield again started the game slow handing early chances to their opposition but soon got back to the goal scoring prowess that stood them in good stead last season. Huddersfield dominated play throughout the first half, early goals from Durran’s and Abbey started the fall of Slazenger. this was soon added to, Kelly finding Haigh(E) on the front post to just deflect past the stranded and already exposed goalkeeper. From there in the result was secure with Huddersfield adding another two before half time. The second half saw more of the same from Huddersfield dominating possession, chances and ultimately the game, further goals from Lewis, and Richardson same shortly after, before Durran’s wrapped up a great hat-trick. Buckley came out as Man of the Match with a performance that had everyone in awe, player and spectators alike. Overall a vast improvement from a now buoyant 2XI who will now use this result as there catalyst to their rest of the season.
Kings Cross 1st XI (1) - (7) Huddersfield 3rd XI
Huddersfield continued their good start to the season with a comprehensive win against a King Cross side that finished one place above them in the division last year. Taking into account Huddersfields excellent run in the second half of last season, the side has now gone 17 games without defeat. Huddersfield started off very brightly and were soon creating chances, some excellent, swift passing between a very pacey Huddersfield attack saw Brett Kullar play Jonny Beaumont in for Huddersfields first. A very physical King Cross side spent little time in the Huddersfield half, when they did, the threat was easily dealt with by solid defending from Moscrop, and Taylor and some excellent goalkeeping from Olly Durrant. It was from some great Huddersfield defending that Huddersfields second was created, the ball being moved at breathtaking speed from one end of the pitch to the other with Beaumont finishing of a great team goal. Elson soon added a third after some good work from Chris Parks playing in only his second game for the team. A momentary lapse in concentration saw King Cross pull a goal back following a goalmouth scramble, Durrant being very unlucky as the ball went under him. Huddersfield soon extended their lead however as Sean Connell making his debut for the side slotted home from the top of the D. The swift movement and excellent ball speed continued into the second half and Beaumont duly completed his hatrick. Connell added a second from a short corner following up after two great saves from the King Cross keeper. Despite the big lead that Huddersfield had, the work rate remained high with Craig Foster doing well in midfield. A short corner 10 minutes from the end saw a trademark strike from Lee Maddeford make it seven for Huddersfield, the goal only slightly overshadowed by the scorer being sent off for the last 5 minutes of the game! Huddersfield now have 2 home games in a row and will be looking to extend their unbeaten run with further fine performances.
Ben Rhydding 4th XI (3) - (3) Huddersfield 4th XI
The lads got up early to go to Ben Rhydding on the other side of Bradford, and having thrashed BR 5th team in pre season were in high spirits for the game. When we turned up it was exceptionally windy and it was almost impossible to hear the players around you. BR had the best of the early exchanges and managed to score first after around 15 minutes. Some amazing midfield play from Hudds led to Aidan getting the equaliser after a brilliant run in behind the BR defence. Huddersfield managed to score next through Matthew Gardener who described his goal as super duper (even though it was a blatant cross!). A third Hudds goal soon followed as in a feat never before seen, Gurveer Birdi took the ball past the half way line with groundshaking speed (literally), some dodgy tackles and a goalmouth “kerfuffle” led to Matthew smashing in a great finish. With the score at 3 - 1, Hudds seemed to take their foot off the pedal and a combination of some slack marking and some interesting decisions from the umpires resulted in two goals from two penalty corners in two minutes! With the last goal came the final whistle, and much BR gloating… Hudds deserved much more, but at the end of the day 1 point is better than none!
Huddersfield 1XI (7) - (0) Leeds Carnegie
Huddersfield 1st XI opened up their Yorkshire Premier League campaign with a resounding 7 – 0 victory over Leeds Carnegie and in doing so sent a message to the rest of the league. Leeds Carnegie had the better of possession in the early stages but the high work rate and constant pressing forced them into mistakes and slowly Huddersfield got on top. It took some time to break the deadlock however as Hirst played in first Foo and then Rogers to be denied by the goalkeeper. In the end in was a goal keeping error that gave Huddersfield the lead as Foo slotted through the legs of the Leeds keeper. After that Huddersfield were all over Leeds and Rogers doubled the lead smashing home form the edge of the D and then Foo stroked the ball into the roof of the net on the second attempt. At the end of the half a break left Jimmy Swinden one on one with the keeper who he coolly rounded and slotted home – 4 - 0 at half time. The second half was more of the same with Howarth solid on the rare occasions he was called into action. Peachey cleared from the back to find Hirst on the right wing who picked out Rogers to break free and drill home his second. Foo sealed a hat trick and man of the match performance with an excellent run and shot and when Blank smashed a reverse stick shot past a despairing keeper the seven nil score line was the perfect start to the season. Huddersfield will be happy with how the new team slotted in well, the defence was solid, distribution accurate and the work rate and interplay up front was what was lacking at times last season. It could have been more as Hirst was denied by the post and keeper, Rogers and Swinden missed chances so if there was anything to work on it would be being more clinical, although at 7 – 0 that would be slightly harsh.
Wakefield 3XI (6) - (1) Huddersfield 2XI
Huddersfield started the season with a new look 2XI hoping to build on the solid foundation of last season and make a real push for promotion but came across a well drilled Wakefield team with a blend of youth and experience. From the start Huddersfield found it difficult to live with Wakefield’s movement and hunger and found themselves four goals in arrears by the break. In the second half Huddersfield re-organised and pulled a goal back through a well worked penalty corner with Lee deflecting the ball into the roof of the net after a cute pass from E Haigh. For the remainder of the half Huddersfield went on the offensive but left themselves vulnerable to the Wakefield counter attack and found themselves two further goals behind. A final score of 6 - 1 was perhaps generous to Wakefield but was an indication of the difference in organisation and determination of the two sides but this was the first match of the season and hopefully with more training and better understanding Huddersfield will use this as a springboard for the rest of their season starting next weekend against Slazenger’s HC.
Huddersfield 4XI (3) - (1) Harrogate 3XI
Huddersfield started the season with a good won over Harrogate (who finished above us last season). There was good possession and attacking play throughout the game, however the team struggled to break down the Harrogate defence in the first half, although they kept the ball extremely well. The breakthrough did come for Huddersfield, however the equaliser followed quickly through a defensive error (you know who you are). Huddersfields fitness in the last 20 minutes (and the fact they had 4 subs) seem to help them onto victory with two goals in the final 20 minutes. Goals came from Josh Dwyer, Dan Stolworthy and Carl Bland. Ed Shimmel got man of the match for a good display, and tireless running throughout the game. Dick of the day had to go to Jonny Lees after he absolutely creamed a ball from a sideline hit, and everyone was amazed to see that it had only travelled around 1.5 inches. As a final thought, the 4’s must have done pretty well to keep the 2nd team hecklers quiet for most of the game (either that or they left!). A great start to the season, and hopefully we can keep it going!
