Ladies 3s bounce back with win

Halifax were in no mood to drop further points in their push for promotion from Yorkshire League Division Four after a disappointing draw away to Cleckheaton last week.

Halifax made a determined start and gradually gained the ascendency over a young and quick Leeds university team. The defence snuffed out every Leeds attack in the first half, with Jess Stott and Alison McManus in command at the back, giving Sharon Crawshaw, Nicola Boulton and Gypsy Goldthorpe a platform from which to push forward.

Robyn James had another good game in midfield and along with Zoe Ribchester created half-chances for the forwards. Sara Woodhead, back from a string of performances with the second team, led the forwards well and went close several times in the first half.

The second half saw Halifax increase their dominance of the game, but it took a while for this to turn in to a goal. Cara James, played well in a new central midfield role and midway through the second half she played a fantastic ball to Gracie Oddy, who beat the Leeds goalkeeper with a powerful shot from an acute angle.

Leeds gained their only short corner of the game with a break into the Halifax circle soon after and Halifax were relieved when keeper Kiera Hayman deflected a goal bound shot wide.

The last five minutes of the match became more comfortable for Halifax when Robyn Fawkes slotted the ball home to give the home side a cushion.