Crompton on target as Halifax mark Shay debut with win over Blackburn Rovers
Farah Crompton netted against her former club when Halifax FC Women marked their historic first game at The Shay with a 1-0 win over Blackburn Rovers on Sunday.
The decisive strike came after only 11 minutes, when Halifax's number nine latched onto a wonderful lofted ball from Eva Buckley, and slotted home low into the bottom left corner to secure Halifax’s third straight win in the Women’s National League Division One North.
Despite going into the lead so early on, Halifax failed to build on that momentum, with the game turning scrappy, and chances at a premium.
Any opportunities that did come during the game usually fell to a Halifax foot, with Buckley and Neve Renwick striking wide and high respectively, while the tricky Mya Hammond stung the palms of Amy Hood in the Blackburn goal after cutting inside nicely.
Halifax's best chance to double their lead came with around ten minutes to go, when the rapid Aleesha Collins flew through on goal with Izzy Mawby in support, but the winger elected to shoot rather than pass, and Amy Wood was able to make the save.
Not capitalising on these chances nearly came back to bite the hosts as Blackburn dominated the final five minutes, putting teasing crosses into the box, and testing the home team's defence.
Mollie Finch in the Halifax goal only had one real save to make though, which highlights why Blackburn have been unable to find the net in their previous three games.
Rob Mitchell may not be totally satisfied with the overall performance of his team, but he will have enjoyed the character and fight that got them over the line on such a historic day for the club.
From Blackburn's perspective, head coach Carmelo Ruggierri would be pleased with the performance his team put out, frustrating a very capable Halifax side, but will not be happy to see his side's losing streak extend to four games.
Halifax will look to make it four on the bounce when they travel to Durham Cestria next Sunday, while Blackburn will look to improve when they face Norton and Stockton Ancients.