Unfortunate defeat for Men’s 1sts in top of table clash

Halifax 1sts 1 – 3 City of York 3rds

It was an unfortunate 3-1 defeat yesterday to top of the table York in an even game that could have gone either way.

Very few clear cut chances were created in the 1st half and it was a disasterous slip by Leigh Walker that allowed York the opening goal with an early Xmas present.

Halifax hit back with a well worked penalty corner move, Bamforth getting his 11th goal of the season after good work from Paul Graham and Michael Jones. 1-1 at half time.

The 2nd half continued to be tight with Richard Marshall having an excellent game providing plenty of ball for man of the match Matthew Bairstow to show his skills down the right. However, it was a freak own goal that gave York the edge when a deflection flew into the path of Dave Wheatley in the Halifax defence and he was helpless to avoid it striking his foot and flying into the net (a finish which would have graced any football match). The game opened up with Halifax pressing for an equaliser, Graham missed a good chance and Jones saw his screaming shot hit the York keeper.

Right at the death York broke to make the game safe with a 3rd goal.

Some encouraging signs from the young Halifax players but still plenty to work on as they make the long trip to Scarborough next Saturday which will be another difficult game.