Men’s 2nds edge tense battle to extend winning streak

Halifax 2nds 1 – 0 Leeds Adel Carnegie 3rds

Scorer: Horsley

The unbeaten run has been extended to four matches following a tense and finely balanced battle with Leeds Adel 3rds. The game hinged on two potential penalty decisions, one denied, the other awarded. Fate favoured Halifax on this occasion with top scorer John Horsley confidently flicking the ball into the backboards midway through the first half.

Halifax once again began the match with a different line up from the previous week. Skipper Dave Manning was still sidelined but also missing were vice captain David Willis, influential midfielder David Spencer and in form defender Graham Rodgers. The replacements needed to produce something special if the unbeaten run was to be maintained.

In the end it was the outstanding performances of the two youngest players in the team that allowed the home side to eke out a win. James Smith in goal gave an immaculate performance and striker Cameron Hellowell ran tirelessly and not only created openings with his blistering pace but also broke up the oppositions offence tackling back like a demon.

Simon Arch was another player who gave his all, and by the end of the game the ex skipper had nearly run himself into the ground, but had been so adept at snuffing out the visitor’s threat down the right side of the pitch.

Another influential performer amongst the whole band of heroes was Luke Greenwood. Returning to Halifax colours for the first time in months, the seasoned campaigner gave an assured performance in the centre of midfield and showed he had lost none of his vision and silky skills.

None of the Halifax team performed badly. Trevor Love, Bryn Hans and Nick Barker all were totally focused and disciplined marking tightly at the back. All the trio could be proud of the part they played in the victory.

Stephen Fawkes tackled and distributed impeccably throughout all of the match and pushed the two youngters for the man of the match award. Peter Balmforth was assertive and energetic throughout in midfield and John Horsley and Ryan Dransfield forraged off less and less possession in attack as the match wore on.

Halifax shaded the first half and started the encounter far better than in previous weeks, but by the end the whole side was hanging on, waiting for the final whistle. Hearts were in mouths as the umpires conferred over a foot infringement close to the goal line but the home side breathed a huge sigh of relief when a short corner was given as opposed to a penalty flick.

If the second string can mantain their winning run next week in York they will definitely be on the fringe of the promotion group in the division.