Determined performance from Ladies 3s

Wakefield 4s 1-1 Halifax Ladies 3s

An under strength Halifax team faced a tough Wakefield side on the new Olympic blue pitch at the Wakefield home ground on a miserable winter morning. Wakefield made a bright start which put Halifax on the back foot.

The Halifax keeper Kiera Haymen had little to do in the first 20 minutes as the Halifax defence stood firm and protected their D successfully.

Eventually the Wakefield pressure took its toll and when play carried on after a Wakefield player had been struck in the head by the ball her team mate slotted in the opening goal.

Halifax soaked up the pressure once more as Zoe Ribchester tracked her player well but was barged into and had both her legs taken out by the Wakefield attacker. Despite their efforts Wakefield could not break down the well organised defence. Jess Stott marshalled her defence well with Stephanie Hoyle and Sharon Crawshaw making crucial tackles and interceptions.

At half time the Halifax team re-organised their formation to give them more support in attack. Player of the day and top tackling Vicki Ferdinando was outstanding in an unfamiliar role, stepping into this position at short notice to spearhead the Halifax forward push. Halifax were able to build far more attacking moves, with better passing and possession in the second half. Their press worked well and interceptions became more frequent, along with well timed tackles. Wakefield had a player green carded for a deliberate
foul and Halifax capitalised on the extra player with Emma Clarkson scoring a trademark goal from close range.

Halifax were determined to get something from the game and battled hard to claim a well deserved point. A great result from a tough away fixture.