Unbeaten run ends for Men's 2nds

The combination of losing players to the first team and last minute cry-offs through illness finally proved too much for a stubborn and resilient second string and the six match unbeaten run was finally brought to an end by a combative and well organised outfit from Leeds.

Only able to field six of their first choice team, Halifax lost veteran and star of the season Stephen Fawkes to flu on the morning of the match. This is probably the straw that broke the camels back.
The replacements played really well and no-one in the home side performed badly, but Halifax were never quite able to break the stranglehold that the visiting midfield trio held on the game.
Had fortune been smiling on Fax they might well have pulled off an improbable victory. Chances were created from open play in the second half and had the shots found the inside of the goal rather than the outer edges of the frame, victory might well have been snatched from the jaws of defeat.

The game started badly for the home side with keeper Fred Owens bundling over an attacker in the first ten minutes. The stopper atoned for his error with a wonderful save from the resulting penalty flick.
Leeds exerted early pressure but only managed a handful of short corners which were executed very poorly. The mistakes galvanised Halifax and the speedy duo of Ryan Dransfield and Cameron Hellowell caused the visitors problems as the half wore on. Paul Wheatley, David Willis, Paul Mayes worked trielessly to provide a service of passes, but were often chasing shadows. Just as it seemed Halifax were gaining a foothold on the game, Leeds scored from a penalty corner. A dipping shot caught Owens unaware and the ball nestled into the net.

Eager to atone, the home side played with more purpose in the second period. Striker John Horsley linked play well and skipper Willis prompted purposefully. Jamie maddock and Nick Barker were assertive in defence and an equaliser seemed a possibility. Leeds had other ideas and scored a clever second. Undaunted, Halifax kept on probing and Maddock drifted upfield to drill home a short corner. Despite being under the cosh fro lomg epriods, Halifax never lost their will to save the unbeaten run and always looked dangerous on the break. Despite creating a number of half chances the final breakthrough was not forthcoming.