Back to winning ways for Men's 1s

Halifax got back to winning ways with an outstanding performance away to arch rivals, Ben Rhydding.

Matthew Metcalfe’s men produced their best hockey for a number of years as they completely outplayed their hosts, romping to a 4-2 win.

Halifax’s high tempo was too much for their opponents to handle and they should have been out of sight within the first 20 minutes of the game, but as often has been the case they fell behind to a Rhydding penalty corner that beat the outstretched foot of keep Matthew Breton.

However Halifax hit back immediately as Tom Love drilled the ball high into the net from just inside the area and then they took the lead at the perfect moment – right on the stroke of half time as right back Connor Sutcliffe crashed home from close range.

The second half was a joy to watch for a large home crowd as Halifax produced some unbelievable passages of play, with Matthew Graham and Michael Jones in unstoppable form. Graham and Josh Barron linked up well to put in skipper Jake Bamforth who calmly slotted home from a tight angle. Barron and youngster Ben Greenwood then created space down the right flank before the other Sutcliffe brother, Josh, finished in fine fashion.

Rhydding pulled a goal back with 10 mins to go and despite losing David Wheatley and Josh Sutcliffe to the sin bin, Halifax’s defence, led by Henry Shelton and Andy Marsland held firm to send them into this weekend’s home derby versus Huddersfield with a positive frame of mind.