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Photos: Oliver Todd
On a grey afternoon on the JLD, Halifax 2nds were able to overcome a notoriously stubborn James 3rds side after controlling play from start to finish, with some large doses of assistance from the unfortunate James goalkeeper.
The game started slowly, with Halifax having the lion’s share of possession, as they tried to break down an obstinate James defence. Tim Green won a corner after some good chasing, but the chance came to nothing. Ben Rea, who was to prove a nuisance for the James backline throughout the game, won a free kick which Anthony Ellis swung in, only for Sam Dempster to blaze over with a misdirected header. Rea was to threaten again soon after as he made a jinking run down the right, cutting inside skilfully, but was unable to apply the finish his run deserved as the ball rolled wide of Paul Charnock’s left-hand post.
Halifax continued to probe, as James seemed content to soak up the pressure, looking to counter when the opportunity arose, which was rarely. Chances came and went for Mark Lund and Elliot Ragan, and Halifax suffered a blow when centre midfielder Ellis was forced off by a painful looking injury. This did not seem to upset the men in white too much though, as Rea was again causing problems down the right wing, this time his threatening run only being brought to a halt by a crude tackle from James’ Tom Prifty, who earned a booking for his troubles.
The second half began in much the same way, with Halifax looking the more likely to get the opening goal. The midfield duo of Mark Lund and Luke Charles looked assured in midfield as they sought to break down what has become a hallmark of this James team: a solid backline. Unfortunately, it was a blunder from James’ keeper Charnock which gave Halifax the lead they probably did deserve. As the ball was played through from midfield, Charnock failed to grasp the ball and it found its way to the feet of striker Ragan who made no mistake with the finish.
Frustration began to seep into the James team and the goal was followed by a flurry of badly timed fouls, as usually unflappable Nathan McCusker picked up a yellow card. The referee Joe Broughtflower did a good job of maintaining control in what was becoming a fiery match, and after yet another foul on Rea, Luke Charles had a testing effort saved.
Ultimately, though, Halifax were just a little too good for a James team who have won a number of admirers during the competition. Ragan, who shone in the second half, beat the offside trap on the right hand side of the pitch and fired in a cross of real quality, which substitute Griffiths was able to fire home at the far post to put Halifax two up. It was a little unjust on James when the score was made 0-3, as another substitute Craig Dean, hit a powerful shot from outside the box which Charnock, whose confidence had been palpably knocked by the first goal, fumbled into his own net.
It was an unfortunate end to what has been a truly impressive Cup run from James 3rds who may be disappointed by a quarter final exit after finishing top of their group. As for Halifax, captain Harry Pearson was satisfied with his team who “didn’t play great, but had enough in the end against a well set up James defence.” A possible tie with Derwent 1sts awaits, and despite not being at their best today, Halifax showed enough quality and determination to suggest they could threaten in the final stages of this cup.
Vision MOTM: Ben Rea – caused problems down the right flank all game long, winning a number of free kicks in dangerous positions as well as getting some threatening balls into the box.