5 wins on the bounce for Ladies 3s

Leeds Adel IV 1-3 Halifax III

Halifax started brightly enjoying the lions share of possession with the backs of Jess Stott and Alison McManus providing a strong platform from which to push forward.

Adel proved difficult to break down and despite many forays into the Adel circle could not find a strong shot to trouble the keeper.

Halifax resorted to long ball tactics which played into the hands of the experienced Adel backline and they were caught on the break after 20 minutes.

Kiera Hayman in the Halifax goal came off her line, diving to stop the pacey Adel forward, only to see her take the ball away and slot it into an empty net.

Adel carried this lead into half time to complete a frustrating first period for Halifax who had learned before the match that Ben Ryhdding, rivals for the runners up spot in Yorkshire Division 4, had dropped points and victory would see Halifax go clear in second place.

The second half was a different matter, with Halifax immediately carrying out the instructions given at half time to good effect.

Attacking up the left Zoe Ribchester, Cara James and Vicki Ferdinando were involved in some neat, quick triangular passing before Sara Woodhead picked up the ball, took it to her left to change the angle on the goalkeeper, and used reverse stick to slot it past the stranded stopper.

Halifax took the lead soon after, with another good move, this time down the right involving Gypsy Goldthorpe and Gracie Oddy, whose well struck cross went across the circle for Ferdinando to tuck away from the angle.

Halifax’s defence were largely turned into spectators, with Nicola Boutlon controlling everything that came down the middle before it got into a dangerous area. Goldthorpe and Oddy gave Adel’s left flank more trouble, combining to release Cara James at the top of the circle who wasted no time in getting a powerful and well directed shot away, beating the keeper from 16 yards out.

The result sees Halifax move into second spot, with Ben Rhydding three points behind but one game in hand.

The two teams meet next weekend in an all important match.