Men's 1s get year off to best start

A good run of form saw Halifax go unbeaten through December and they were keen to keep the momentum going after the Christmas break when they faced a good Sheffield Hallam side.

Halifax started brightly and settled into some good early passing moves as well as compressing the midfield space to deny the skill full Hallam midfield room.

Halifax made the early breakthrough as a ball out of defence found Tom Love high up the pitch who was able to turn and release Ben Greenwood down the right who's quick ball found striker Matthew Graham at the top of The D and he slotted home for the opener.

The game settled into a flowing game as both teams were playing some nice hockey out from the back.

Halifax then missed a great chance to go two up. Connor Sutcliffe from the left back position took a free hit around the half way line and played a fantastic cross field ball into the Hallam D where Josh Barron was sliding in on the back post. Unfortunately Barron could only deflect the ball into the keeper who then cleared easily.

Hallam then had their best period of the half winning a series of free hits around the Halifax D. They managed to make one of them count as their tricky centre midfielder weaved a run across and into the D and despite the last ditch tackle attempt from Henry Shelton he was able to fire passed keeper Mathew Breton.

Halifax rallied straight away and on the stroke of halftime but together a brilliant move.

Barron received the ball out wide from Love and sent a through ball to Graham who released Greenwood on the overlap. Greenwood raced to the byline and cut the ball back to Graham who fired home despite the best efforts of the Hallam keeper to regain the lead 2-1

The second half was an even battle with both teams cresting half chances and with Hallam looking to press for the equaliser the counter attack threat from Halifax was always there as Graham and strike partner Jake Bamforth went close with chances.

Top scorer Graham wasn't to be denied his hattrick though as another good move was finished off from close range to give Halifax a 3-1 lead.

Hallam pressed hard for the remainder of the half as they sought to get back into game. The Halifax defence of Shelton, David Wheatley, Andy Kaye and Andrew Marsland were standing firm but had keeper Breton to thank for a couple of fantastic saves. One in particular was a stunning reaction save with his stick from a close range shot.

As the half came to an end Hallam had a flurry of penalty corners but they were dealt with comfortably and Halifax claimed the well deserved victory 3-1.

Halifax are now clear of the bottom teams and face a tough trip away to Harrogate next.