Sudden death penalty flicks heatbreak for Ladies 4s
A thrilling semi final ended in a 3-3 draw for Ladies 4s and when the initial penalty flicks were still tied, they lost in sudden death to Lindum
Halifax IV 3-3 Lindum II
Halifax lost this exciting semi final encounter of the Yorkshire Division 5 Cup on sudden death penalty flicks after a match which swayed one way and then the other.
Halifax fielded a changed and inexperienced side and they were slow to get organised, particularly in defence. Lindum started brightly and had the better of the first fifteen minutes, scoring two goals with Halifax in some disarray at the back. Halifax then scored on a break away, with Leigh Hirst playing Cara Casson through the middle of the pitch, to slot the ball past the advancing Lindum keeper. Halifax then began to get a footing in the game and the midfield of Sarah Batty, Jo Hardingham, Emily Crowe and Hirst started to string passes together and push forward rather than spend all their time helping defend.
After a great pass by Issy English the ball was carried forward by Emily Crowe, who looked very promising on debut, to fire across the circle. Brogan Goldthorpe showed great determination and bravery to meet the ball at the same time as the keeper and a defender and succeed in forcing it home. This took Halifax into the break back level at 2-2.
Halifax enjoyed the best of the second half, with the defence of Lisa Scotltock, Rachael Rosier, Sydny Midgley, Claire Robertshaw and English now completely settled and looking a much more cohesive unit. After another excellent run by Leigh Hirst Halifax went ahead through a short corner, with a perfectly struck shot from the top of the Dee by Rachael Rosier. Halifax looked set for the win but a decision to leave a ball struck just inside the shooting circle by keeper Leah O’Connell, believing it to be hit outside, cost the team dearly.
With the scores tied at the end of normal time the match went to be decided by penalty flicks. O’Connell was excellent in goals, saving three Lindum flicks, but Halifax’s ability to flick under pressure let them down, with only Jo Hardingham and Emily Crowe converting. With the scores level after 5 flicks each Lindum sealed their place in the final with the first strike in sudden death.
A disappointing end to the match but there was much to be heartened about in Halifax’s performance, with five players under the age of 16 all playing well and holding their own at senior level.