Mens 1s win to break losing streak

A must win game for Halifax after a run of 4 defeats and the threat of being pulled into a relegation fight looming.

The second game of the weekend and boosted by an excellent performance despite defeat the day before Halifax were positive from the start.

Leigh Walker returned to the side and slotted into the defensive midfield slot allowing Gabe Coleman to push forward to a more attacking role.

The worked almost immediately as a bursting run from Coleman almost resulted in a goal inside the first few minutes.

Disaster then struck as the Bankers winger managed to elude full back Connor Sutcliffe down the left and get the ball across for a simple finish at the back post 1-0.

Halifax responded quickly. Halifax had a number of chances before Coleman saw a shot stopped on the line by a foot. Penalty Flick. Jake Bamforth's exquisite finish into the top corner brought the game back to 1-1

Despite being the second game in two days for both teams the game was fast paced and end to end.

After exchanging several attacks each, Bankers took the lead again with a powerful reverse stick shot from the top of the D that left keeper Metcalfe no chance as it narrowed in the top of the net

Again responding from the off with a period pressure and a good move down the saw the ball picked up by Coleman who drove along the top of the D and fired a reverse shot on the run into the bottom corner. 2-2 and halftime.

Second half and Halifax were looking a lot tighter in defence and liking at applying greater pressure up front. Halifax were on top when a brief lapse at the back left a striker unmarked to score easily and take the lead again 3-2.

His was a crunch game for Halifax and time to dig deep.

A good move involving Tom Love and Josh Barron down the right fed star striker Graham to finish easily. 3-3.

Applying pressure straight away Halifax won a series of short corners and Jones stepped up from the back to fire in and a 4-3 lead.

Surviving a period of Bankers fightback, keeper Metcalfe was called into action with another fine string of saves.

A counter attack from Halifax saw a Graham shot on the run squeeze in through the keepers pads and a 5-3 lead.

With Bankers visibly tiring allowing Halifax to create more chances as the gaps appeared, returning midfielder Peter Balmforth was put clean through on goal and looked set to cap his man of the match performance with a goal when he was fouled in the process of shooting. Penalty Flick! With Bamforth off injured Graham stepped up and completed his hat-trick with a low finish into the corner. 6-3.

Halifax saw the rest of the game out and at the final whistle Bankers were able to win a short corner and with the final touch of the game were able to scramble home the ball. 6-4.

Fantastic result for Halifax that sees them leap frog Bankers and move up the table and give them some vital breathing space from the relegation zone.

Another crunch game follows with the visit of relegation struggling Rotherham to Park Lane.