Injuries take toll on Men’s 1sts

Scarborough 1sts 2 – 0 Halifax 1sts

With 7 regular 1st teamers out through injury/unavailability, it was always going to be a big ask to go to promotion chasing Scarborough and get something.

The new players drafted in from the 2nd X1 did well but the team were up against it from early on with a nasty eye injury to player coach Paul Graham taking the team down to the bare 11.

Shortly afterwards, star youngster Matthew Bairstow injured a foot and had to limp through the rest of the game.

The team were basically down to 10 men but held out well until just before half time when Scarborough took the lead.

Matthew Metcalfe was in good form in the Halifax goal and with Ryan Dransfield, Cameron Hellowell and Richard Marshall working tirelessly, Scarborough were contained but always dangerous.

Michael Jones and Josh Sutcliffe created a few chances on the counter but failed to find the telling pass or shot. Leigh Walker was pushing forward to help the attack as was Peter Balmforth but gaps were being left at the back and it was no surprise when Scarborough scored a 2nd which killed the game off.

Halifax still managed to win a few penalty corners but it was not to be.

The team will be hoping that the return of injured players will help them as they try to get back to winning ways against a strong Leeds team next week in Leeds.