Men's 1s disappointed with result

After a comfortable opening day win, Halifax travelled away to Sheffield Hallam 3s who were League Champions last season (Due to league regulations there were not allowed to be promoted as only 1st and 2nd teams can be present in the North leagues)

Confidence was high in the Halifax team, and playing on the ex-Olympic pitch (now relocated to Sheffield’s ground) it suited the passing and move style of the teams. Both teams started brightly and were looking to establish a passing game and utilise the space early on.

After a couple of half chances for each team, it was Sheffield that struck first, a sweeping move down the left side saw the Sheffield winger cut into the D along the byline and pulling the ball back to the striker who swept home.

Regrouping Halifax were quick to reassert themselves and the returning pair of Gabe Coleman and Tom Love started to win more balls in the middle of the pitch. Josh Sutcliffe and Josh Barron were starting to find more space out wide and a few minutes it was the former that was sent through on goal from a sublime pass by Captain Jake Bamforth. Finding himself in time and space, and only the keeper to beat Sutcliffe coolly slotted the ball away for his second goal in as many games.

Sheffield responded by pressing high and pushing the Halifax defence back, but the defence was holding firm and restricting the sharp Sheffield attack to a few half chances. Keeper Mathew Breton was again having a great game in goal with a smart save from a penalty corner the pick of them.

The half played out in a nip and tuck fashion, but as half time approached Sheffield were awarded a penalty flick after a goal mouth scramble. This was duly converted and Sheffield took the 2-1 lead into halftime.

In a mirror to the first half the teams exchanged chances and Halifax in particular had a couple of great efforts saved by the Sheffield keeper who was having an excellent game. Coleman had a close range shot saved and Sam Spencer followed up his own shot with a lob that went just over. However, Sheffield struck again with another move down the line and cut back which bypassed the defence and left the unmarked striker with a simple finish. 3-1.

Halifax responded superbly and again piled pressure on the Sheffield defence looking for an equaliser. Man of the Match Bamforth was having a fantastic game and his persistence won a penalty corner which he then scored from, following a deft pass from Michael Jones. Bamforth also taking his tally to 2 goals in 2 games.

At 3-2 and having put in a lot of effort to get back in the game, tiredness and a lack of substitutes possibly cost Halifax as Sheffield scored a controversial goal on the break when there looked to be a clear foul on Jones. 4-2 and with time running out, a couple more chances went begging for Halifax. Sheffield completed the scoring in the final few minutes with a penalty corner.

Final score 5-2 which left Halifax disappointed but pleased with the performance and feeling the scoreline didn’t truly reflect the game and the effort.

Halifax face newly promoted Harrogate at Park Lane on Saturday