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Hockey: Determined Halifax end Roses hopes of victory
Halifax II 2 - Lincoln Roses 1 DIVISION three table toppers Roses came to Halifax expecting to extend their lead only to find themselves suffering defeat against a determined side bolstered by three successive games without defeat.
Roses pushed forward from ther start with smooth passes and probing attacks winning a series of short corners.
However, they were thwarted by Halifax's new defensive line up and a great save by James Smith.
The inclusion of six junior players helped thwart the visitors until five minutes from half time when they found the net.
Halifax immediatley put Roses under pressure and Richard Marshall latched onto a deflected ball to equalise.
Oliver James and Ben Barron started to dominate with the assistance of Jake Gledhill and Sam Spencer on the left wing and Andy Barnfather on the right.
Jonny Sutcliffe and Marshall probed several times and with 10 minutes remaining a short cornerwas despatched with ease by Sutcliffe.
Roses missed out on a leveller with three minutes to go when a poor pass went to the visitors striker who won a short corner but Mark Holmes Graham Rodger Dave Spencer and Simon Arch blocked the way and cleared the ball.
Huddersfield V 1 - Halifax III 2
HALIFAX returned to winning ways with an emphatic and classy display.
The scoreline may appear close, but the home side only scored with the last hit of the game and for long periods were under pressure.
It was the first time this season that Halifax had been able to field their strongest side and the trio of Nigel Bowers, David Willis and Dave Manning bossed the middle of the park.
The forwards worked well off the ball and Chris Reynolds, Nick Barker and Bryn Hans were very solid at the back. Huddersfield were no pushovers and Steve Sparkes was called into action early on.
The first goal was a scrambled affair with a hint of backsticks, but top scorer John Horsley was once again in the right place to force the ball home from close range.
An injury to Willis meant a re-shuffle and the early ascendancy and fluency was lost despite the Wheatleys, David and Paul slotting well into midfield and defence respectively.
Some of Halifax's play in the first half was the best of the season, but it was a pity the territorial advantage was not converted into goals.
Huddersfield had slightly more possession after the break but Halifax were still dangerous and Ryan Dransfield set up a chance that Rupert Scott flashed wide.
Halifax extended their lead from one of many short corners with Bowers setting up a goal for Manning.
As Halifax tired the home side pressed and only a crunching tackle from Sparkes stopped a certain goal.
Huddersfield were awarded a penalty corner as the final whistle went and squeezed in a consolation goal.
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Weather for Halifax
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: -0 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: West
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Light snow
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