Halifax men suffer first loss but ladies march on with third straight win
The damage was done in the first half as Halifax Hockey Club men’s first team suffered their first defeat of the new season in a 2-1 loss at Wakefield on Saturday.
Wakefield took the lead from a penalty corner after Ben Speak, filling in in defence, was adjudged to have fouled an attacker in the circle. The hosts doubled their advantage shortly afterwards with another penalty-corner conversion to leave Halifax facing an uphill battle.
Despite the scoreline, Halifax continued to create opportunities of their own. Michael Jones was heavily involved in attack as Halifax won several penalty corners and fashioned a number of shooting opportunities, but were unable to find a breakthrough before the interval.
The visitors eventually got themselves back into the game during the second half when Jones fired a trademark penalty-corner strike through the goalkeeper's legs.
Halifax pushed hard during the closing stages and looked the more likely side to score, but were unable to find the equaliser their performance arguably deserved.
There were plenty of positives to take from the defeat, with player of the match Cam Hellowell producing an energetic display.
The news was better for Halifax’ ladies first team, who made it three wins from three with an impressive 3-1 victory away at Leeds University.
The hosts took the lead from a penalty corner but fine midfield play from Robyn Fawkes, Connie Wood and Jessica Sanderson created an opening for Dani Parker, who delivered a dangerous ball across the circle for leading scorer Courtenay Fisher to equalise with her first touch.
Halifax took control after the break. Strong defensive performances from Alice Young, Katie Love and Lizzy Whelan provided a solid platform, while Regan Midgley, Martha Mackrill and Isobel Crowe worked tirelessly through midfield to push the visitors forward.
The breakthrough came when Amy March reacted quickest after a short-corner routine broke down, calmly finishing to give Halifax the lead.
New signings Chloe Williams and Cathy Park continued to impress, with Park capping an excellent performance by scoring her first goal for the club to seal a deserved 3-1 victory.
The ladies second team preserved their unbeaten start to the season with a 1-1 draw against Ben Rhydding at Park Lane.
After a slow start, Halifax opened the scoring from a penalty corner and Lucy Hampshire's strike was expertly finished by Katie Huck to put the hosts ahead.
Ben Rhydding eventually found an equaliser, but Halifax defended resolutely to secure a share of the points and continue their encouraging start to the campaign.
Evelyn Rooke was the player of the match.
Halifax men's second team suffered a frustrating 2-1 defeat against Leeds’ sixth team in a clash between the division's early front-runners.
The hosts created a host of opportunities during a competitive first half. Cam Kew, Bryn Hans and John Horsley all tested the Leeds goalkeeper, while several further efforts drifted narrowly wide or over the crossbar.
Halifax finally made their pressure count early in the second half when Kew weaved through several defenders before finishing smartly from close range.
However, the energy-sapping conditions began to take their toll and Leeds capitalised late on, scoring twice from penalty corners to snatch victory.
Fred Denton received four player of the match votes, but Kaiden Smith edged the award after an outstanding debut at left-back.
The men's third team bounced back from last week's defeat with an impressive 3-1 victory over Adel sixths at Park Lane.
Playing with just 11 players, Halifax took the lead when Pete Howard made amends for an earlier miss by providing a superb assist for Archie King to finish.
Adel responded through a scrappy goal from a penalty corner to level matters before half-time but captain Jeremy Mackrill restored Halifax's advantage in the second half.
The points were secured with seven minutes remaining when Archie King won a penalty corner. Player of the match Aidan Crowe stepped up and produced an excellent strike into the corner.
The ladies third team were beaten 4-1 at Adel thirds, although the result did not tell the full story of a committed Halifax performance.
Iris Roxbrough scored Halifax's goal and there were plenty of positive moments throughout the match against strong opposition.