Ladies 3s unable to bounce back

Halifax III 1 – 2 Batley I

Halifax third string were looking to bounce back after defeat in their last outing, and take their promotion chase to the last match of the season but a disappointing performance left their league season in tatters.

Looking lethargic from the off, Halifax struggled to find any form and failed to string passes together under the pressure applied by a useful Batley side.

The defensive skills of Alison McManus, Jess Speight, Sharon Crawshaw and Regan Midgley who returned to action after a ten week absence due to injury, meant that Kiera Hayman was rarely called on in the Halifax goal. However, after a comedy of errors by the usually reliable defenders Batley took the lead.

Decision making in the midfield improved a little after half time with Nicola Boulton going close to finding an equaliser.

Halifax were short of their recognised strikers and the few half chances that were created came and went. Batley added a second to all but seal the home sides fate.

In the best move of the game Alison McManus found Robyn Fawkes with an accurate through ball for Fawkes to show what she is capable of; dribbling twenty metres, beating a defender and getting a powerful shot off which beat the keeper from the edge of the circle.

It was the one bright moment for the Park Lane side who, with one match left, are condemned to another season in Division 4.