Baptism of fire for Men's 2nds

Tadcaster Magnets 1sts 6 - Halfax 2nds 4

Scorers : Dransfield 2, Hellowell, Willis

The new look Halifax side came back down to earth with a bump with many team members experiencing a league defeat for the first time in over a year.

Half the side had been promoted from the successful third eleven, but it was certainly a baptism of fire as Magnets exerted pressure from the off. The visitors were pinned in their half for ten minutes and found it hard to mount any attacks of worth. The speed of the game was a surprise to many of the debutants and only smart saves from James Smith kept the scoresheet blank.

Despite heroic defending from Chris Reynolds, Bryn Hans, Nick Barker and veteran Stephen Fawkes the rearguard was breached with a foray down the home sides right flank. Crisp interpassing found the ball nestling in the visitors net. Halifax responded positively and likewise from a right wing attack a short corner was won. Fawkes’ shot was just passing wide of the goal but right winger Ryan Dransfield reacted astutely to deflect the ball home. The game became more open with Halifax gaining more possession, but Magnets were sharp and incisive when they pushed forward. The speed of their interplay made it a difficult afternoon for the Fax defence. A cruel own goal and a sloppy pass out of defence saw the home side surge into a comfortable half time lead.

Realising the next goal was vital Halifax reorganised and played four in midfield. Peter Balmforth, Trevor Love and David Spencer worked hard to curb the potency of the home playmakers and allowed David Willis to press forward supporting Dransfield and John Horsley. Magnets maintained their sharpness throughout and scored a stunning fourth. Facing a heavy defeat in the face, Halifax showed resilience and pluck. Dave Manning forced the ball into the D from the left and Dave Willis tucked the ball home. Sub Cameron Hellowell then sneaked a third and Ryan Dransfield bravely forced home an equaliser.

An unlikely draw loomed, but Tadcaster were having nothing of it. Once again they moved forward with panache and penetration and scored twice in the final few minutes with two fine strikes.

Deflated, Halifax battled on but did not threaten to claw back the deficit. To their credit they had run a very strong home side close and never capitulated, but will have to play at a greater tempo if they are to press for victory in the league campaign. They travel to Huddersfield next week though in good heart having learned much from a tough encounter.