Battling start for Halifax 4s

On the pitch this was evident as Halifax had more possession and troubled the Batley goal on a number of occasions. Unfortunately the Halifax pressure could not be converted into a goal and against the run of play Batley got the opening goal mid-way through the first half.

Halifax were playing with a new formation which took a little time to bed in. As the game went on they got to grips with the marking and positional play to produce some expansive play. There was some excellent defending From Rachel Rosier and Cara James as well as some vital saves from the goal keeper Liz Stead.

Halifax started the second half brightly but again could not capitalise on the pressure they had in the Batley circle and with 20 minutes to go Batley increased their lead.

Halifax regrouped with Robyn Fawkes battling hard in midfield and Margaret Bottomley who continued to show great determination, game reading ability and stick stills as she turned defence into attack on a number of occasions with perfectly timed tackles and great passes to release the Halifax players into a number of onslaughts on the Batley goal.

Eventually it was a fantastic run on the right flank from man of the match and Captain April Hendy who then supplied a perfectly weighted cross that allowed Nicola Boulton to get a deflection to finally get Halifax on the score sheet.