Men’s 2nds still searching for points

Halifax 2nds 0 Airedale 1sts 1

Whereas Halifax’s top team are celebrating a hatrick of wins at the start of the season, the second strings treble is still leaving the new look side searching for their first points of the season. The performances in the three games have improved and nobody in the side had a bad match in the first home game of the campaign.

Fax are yet to name an unchanged side and this is making it more difficult to settle into a rhythm. Out were skipper Dave Manning, injured and Dave Spencer, but David Willis, Chris Reynolds and Simon Arch returned.

Halifax adopted a 4-4-2 formation which meant the game became a midfield struggle. Indeed only one short corner was gained by either side throughout the match. Dave Willis was brought back into centre midfield supported by Simon Arch, Paul Mayes and Peter Balmforth. The quartet gave a good account of themselves throughout and provided solid cover to the back four who have looked more secure into the season despite the setback with results.

Airedale scored a scrappy goal midway through the first period. Fred Owens was looking very assured in goal and had made a brace of good saves. He managed to block two consecutive shots but was beaten by a third before he could recover.

Halifax rallied well and John Horsley and Ryan Dransfield made valiant attempts to break down the visitors rearguard. Sub Cameron Hellowell once again used his lightning pace to good effect and clear opening were created only for the visitor’s stopper to block with aplomb.

The second half was as keenly contested as the first. Chances were few and far between, but Fax did carve one or two chances, only to be thwarted again by the excellent Airedale keeper. An injury to Paul Mayes ten minutes before the end disrupted Halifax’s final push to draw level. The midfielder will be out for six weeks with a broken hand.

Next week sees the side travel to Sheffield still searching for their first points of the season.