Another valuable point for Men’s 3rds

Driffield II 1 v 1 Halifax III

Scorer: Atkinson

Halifax secured another valuable point away to fellow strugglers Driffield although probably did enough to feel this is two points dropped.

With several players unavailable, youngsters Connor Sutcliffe and Aaron Charlton along with the experienced pair of Neil Penny-Ward and Roy Atkinson were drafted in from the fourth team and all four performed well.

Halifax started the game brightly with Steve Rooke linking up well with Matthew Ward down the right and with Lee Chapman making inroads down the left, the home team found themselves under pressure. The ever-dependable Atkinson playing in attack alongside Sutcliffe held the ball well enabling Halifax to build good pressure and work a number of good opportunities.

As has been the case too often in the season so far, the pressure did not result in a goal and, as Driffield came more into the game, the balance began to shift in favour of the home team. Central defensive pair Nick Walton and Simon Meredith handled the Driffield attack well but could do little when Driffield’s most effective player showed good skills and hit a firm shot towards goal – an unfortunate deflection leaving goalkeeper Fred Owens stranded.

Despite this set-back, Halifax responded well forcing a number of penalty corners. It was from open play, however, that the equalising goal came – Ward and Rooke creating another opportunity with Atkinson applying the finishing touch with a well-struck shot from the edge of the area. The goal was well deserved and Atkinson was unfortunate not to give Halifax the lead when another penalty corner lead to his close-range effort going narrowly wide.

Halifax continued to dominate possession during the first part of the second half but could not make the most of their chances and without the luxury of any substitutes, they became less effective as fatigue set in. Chances came and went for both sides but neither team could capitalise.

Another point from a difficult start to the season and the visit of bottom of the table York University next week now becomes a very important game.