Valuable 3 points for Mens 1s

Halifax were without manager Leigh Walker, and captain Matthew Graham withdrew himself from the proceedings just before push back due to illness, but Tom Love returned to the line-up after a knee injury.

Halifax started strongly as Love put the Sheffield ‘keeper under pressure and Josh Barron could only put his rebound onto the post. Halifax missed numerous chances to score in the opening 20minutes and it looked like being one of those games! Barron soon put Halifax ahead though as he finished a short corner delivered by Michael Jones. A lead well deserved given the amount of possession Halifax had and the pressure applied to the Sheffield defence.

Gabe Coleman was then brought down shortly before halftime by the ‘keeper after being put through on goal and a penalty flick was given. Coleman himself stepped up to take the penalty flick, but failed to convert it. His tame effort straight down the middle did little to trouble the keeper. Halifax finished the first half 1-0 up with their defence rarely tested.

Determined to carry on where they left off, Halifax went 2-0 up almost immediately after the break as Barron finished a Jake Bamforth effort which the keeper failed to clear. This took Barron’s tally to 6 goals in the last 4 games, a great start to the season after being moved from defence into midfield for this season.

Sheffield responded with a goal of their own shortly after

For a brief period Halifax were put under increased pressure as Sheffield looked to salvage something from the game, but the defence were excellent and held firm, marshalled by MOM ‘keeper Metcalfe who was in fine form making a number of quality saves to ensure they held onto their lead.

Halifax then finished the half strongly and were soon back in control. Casey Marshall secured Halifax’s second win of the season when he finished a good move at the far post following another good cross from Bamforth.

The 3 points moved Halifax from bottom of the table to a mid-table spot. They face high flying Boston Spa on Saturday.