Early mistakes cost Men's 1s

Despite the cold weather resulting in most of the weekend’s games being called off, the Men’s 1s away trip to Harrogate went ahead after the pitch passed an early morning inspection.

Buoyed by the victory against Sheffield Hallam, Halifax were confident going into the game and were looking to extend their good run. With the usual strike partnership of Matthew Graham & Jake Bamforth out for the next 5weeks Halifax were boosted by the return of Michael Jones and he was to spearhead the Halifax attack.

However, it was Harrogate that got off to the best start as straight from the off they were able to press Halifax back and won a series of free hits in quick succession down in the Halifax left-back area. The Harrogate pressure told as a forward broke free of the scramble of players and was able to slot the ball home at the near post. The Halifax keeper and defence were visibly frustrated at conceding a soft goal so early in the match.

Halifax responded well and had a period of pressure which looked like it would bring a swift equaliser as Jones had a half chance that went wide, followed by nearly being put through beyond the last defender who recovered to make a last ditch tackle.

Harrogate battled back and were getting a lot of joy down their right hand side against fullback Connor Sutcliffe and it was this combination that led to the second Harrogate goal. A series of quick passes down the left saw Harrogate get to the edge of the D and the winger was able to cut to by-line and with Sutcliffe struggling to get back to make the tackle, the winger was able to cut the ball back, by passing the covering defenders for the oncoming midfielder to sweep home.

A few minutes later and Harrogate had increased their lead further as a shell shocked Halifax suddenly found themselves 3-0 mid way through the first half.

Needing a response Halifax picked up the tempo in an effort to get back into the game. Josh Sutcliffe and Tom Love were beginning to win more possession and dominate the midfield which in turn was creating space for the wide men of Josh Barron and Ben Greenwood to run into. Barron was put through on goal but the defence were able to force him wide and snuff out the chance. Sutcliffe then won the ball in midfield and a quick counter attack with Barron put them through on goal but the final pass from Barron left Sutcliffe with a lot to do and the opportunity went.

Finally Halifax got the breakthrough just before halftime as Jones was sent clear down the left and his superb cross was deflected home on the run by Barron leaving the Harrogate keeper no chance as it flew in.

3-1 down at halftime and Halifax knew they needed to be quick off the mark in the 2nd half.

Halifax dominated the second half from the start and with their high press had Harrogate pegged back well into their own half. With the pressure building and Harrogate struggling to break it looked only a matter of time before Halifax scored. But it wasn’t to be.

Chances were squandered as Jones fired a shot wide after the ball fell nicely to him in the D. Love hit the post following a great turn and run from midfield. Barron was twice put through 1 on 1 with the keeper but fluffed both chances.

Harrogate got a second wind as the half reached its final 5/10 minutes as it looked like Halifax were running out of steam and destined not to score. Putting together a couple of counter attacks and winning some free hits and short corners to alleviate the pressure, Harrogate appeared to have weathered the storm. It was through 2 late short corners that Harrogate added 2 further goals to finish with a flattering 5-1 win that Halifax will feel wasn’t a true reflection on the game

Halifax move on now to a series of games against the fellow bottom sides that look destined to shape the outcome of the season. Next up is a home game against Leeds 4s at Park Lane on Sat 23rd.