Men's 2nds continue to extend unbeaten run

Scoreless draws are sometimes drab affairs. This game was far from boring or uneventful.

Both teams showed high levels of skill and searched constantly to break the deadlock.

Halifax were once again forced to make changes. First team unavailability robbed the unbeaten second string of four players. Bolstered by the returning Luke Greenwood, Fax also had Kristian Mayland strengthening the attack. Both were influential.

A critical area of play was likely to be the midfield. All of the trio were different from the previous week. Paul Mayes had recovered from a broken hand and teenager Matthew Ward was making his debut. Both acquited themselves well, particularly in the first half.

Although the defence had a solid look about it, stalwart and so far star
of the season Sephen Fawkes was playing with a broken finger.
Hallam played with confidence and authority from the off. They passed the ball crisply and switched play cleverly to stretch the home rearguard.

To their credit the defenders were disciplined, focused and marked tightly. When the line was breached James Smith smothered, blocked and kicked with aplomb. The unbeaten run of six matches has co-incided with his rich vein of form.

The discipline and cohesiveness held the visitors at bay. Had Hallam been more incisive in the final third they might have capitalised more on their greater possession, but it was the home side who turned round having created more chances in open play through the cleverness of John Horsley, the cunning of Mayland and the astute probing of Greenwood.

If Halifax were able to sustain the high work rate in the second period it appeared that points could be stolen from the league's second side.

As the match progressed though fatigue affected Fax's performance. Mayes suffered from cramp and Ward also tired. Without a recognised substitute the home side simply had to hang on, hoping for the best.

Graham Rodgers once again showed discipline and resilience, Nick Barker followed his player religiously and Bryn Hans intercepted with fine judgement.

A critical moment occured minutes from time when the visitors claimed that keeper Smith had tickled the ball with his pads as the ball was hit into the D. Neither umpire could confirm the claim and the home side limped towards full time for a hard earned point but more importantly an extension to the unbeaten run.