Men’s 1sts return to winning ways

Leeds 3rds 2 – 3 Halifax 1sts

Scorers : Bamforth (2), Jones

Halifax returned to winning ways on a cold afternoon in Leeds.

Halifax had a stronger squad available as of late and the team started well dominating possession and creating a few chances.

The back 4 of Leigh Walker, Simon Arch, David Wheatley and Michael Jones were well organised and allowed Leeds very little space. Jones having an excellent game in his new position at right back.

Paul Graham and Josh Sutcliffe protected the back 4 well and were able to get the ball regularly to Sam Spencer and Kristian Mayland who in turn were a threat to the Leeds defence. Halifax took the lead half way through the 1st half when a good move down the right found Jake Bamforth in space in front of goal and he flicked the ball passed the keeper with some ease.

Unfortunately the team had a bad 10 minutes and sloppy marking allowed Leeds to equalise from a quick break. Halifax then fell behind in controvertial fashion as the ball was deflected into Walker’s face dangerously before looping freakeshly into the net- neither umpire saw the ball hit the Halifax centre half and allowed the goal. 2-1 at half time.

The return of top scorer Matthew Graham as a substitute sparked halifax into life and Jones soon equalised with a lovely flick from a penalty corner and Graham junior came close to scoring after a trademark skilful dribble. The Halifax 3rd goal was on the cards and it happened after a good move involving Love and Graham, the latter putting in a lovely cross for Bamforth to have the easiest of tap ins at the far post.

The last 10 minutes were a little nervey but the team held out to record a deserved 3-2 win that keeps them up amongst the promotion chasing teams in what looks like a tight battle at the top between 5 or 6 teams.