Narrow defeat for Ladies 4s

Halifax faced second in the league Thirsk in their first match back after the Christmas break.

Thirsk started the match but soon lost possession and Halifax enjoyed the majority of the play throughout the first half, though Thirsk counter attacked on occasions.

Forwards Laura Armstrong, Lydia Robinson and Felicity Raud linked well playing some delightful quick ball passes to penetrate the Thirsk defence with the keeper denying Halifax a goal. Thirsk attacked up the right hand side each time but youngsters Sydney Midgley and Anya Wasilewski made some strong tackles to clear the ball back to the midfield.

Player of the Match Annie Denton supported the forwards well with some excellent distribution and darting runs of her own. Towards the end of the first half, Jo Hardingham played the ball forward with Robinson picking it up in the D but it was Denton who swept the ball in to the back of the goal. Emma Clarkson came on for Armstrong but despite finding herself with several scoring opportunities, it remained 1-0 to the home side half time.

Thirsk upped their game in the second half and midfielders Leah Kalter and Molly Midgley were kept busy as Thirsk attacked at pace. Halifax keeper Sasha Penny-Ward was called upon to make some fine saves but midway through the half Thirsk equalised after a break away run down the right. The pace of the game was fast and chances were created at both ends with both teams failing to add to their score until Thirsk took the lead with ten minutes to go.

Halifax upped their game with Thirsk hardly managing to clear their own half but despite all the pressure and several chances, the visitors denied Halifax and deserved equaliser.

Halifax played the best hockey of the season so far but didn’t come away with any points and stayed 9th in the league with a visit to university of Leeds, who sit a place below them in the league next week.