[visiongallery set=72157633552706369]
Photos: Jack Western
Goals from Ryan Doherty and captain James McNeill either side of half time helped Halifax 3rds to record a vital 2-1 victory over Goodricke 2nds. Fabian Ashhurst pulled a consolation back for Goodricke with fifteen minutes remaining, but they were left to rue missed chances, none more so than when Alex Hurd hit the post from three yards out only 30 seconds before Halifax opened the scoring.
In an even encounter, the opening stages were scrappy and devoid of any clear openings, as both teams battled for supremacy in the middle of the pitch. Vinnie Cornwell blocked an early Rob Young shot, before excellently heading a looping cross behind.
From the resulting corner Hurd should have opened the scoring, but contrived to direct his header onto the frame of the gaping goal when unmarked at the back post. In turn Halifax countered quickly, as McNeill fed the ball into the path of Doherty who slotted home the opening goal after nine minutes.
Goodricke responded with a spell of pressure, but were unable to test Harry Ziegler in the Halifax goal, as efforts flew off target, Young coming closest with a shot on the turn which whistled past the far post.
At the other end Doherty was denied by a sprawling save, and the Halifax forward continued to probe, threatening with surging runs which required some excellent last ditch defending from Mike Ollsen.
Halifax continued to look dangerous on the attack in the second half, as substitute Harrison’s effort was deflected wide immediately after the interval. Goodricke though seemed to be reinvigorated in the second half, spurred on by the introduction of the talismanic Joe Mann. However, despite enjoying the majority of possession and territory they were unable to carve out any clear openings, Jonathan Gillbanks coming closest with an effort which scuttled harmlessly wide.
On 42 minutes Halifax appeared to have sealed the match, as McNeill scored out of nothing after receiving the ball from Reick. The left winger picked the ball up, cut inside, and exquisitely curled his shot into the back of the net with the outside of his left foot.
A minute later though Goodricke were back in the contest, Ashhurst scrambling home a cross from the right wing. The same player then headed wide at the back post, as the men in green went in search of an equaliser.
Gaps started to open up though in their defence as they threw more men forward in search of a second goal, allowing Adam Sampo to almost capitalise on a through ball which was clawed away. Indeed it was Halifax who finished the stronger of the two sides, Harrison having a freekick tipped over the bar, before Reick fired wide.
Yet in the end they were indebted to a brilliant block by Jake Mason, which preserved the three points, as he threw his body in the way of a thunderous drive, whilst Joe Mann could only prod his follow up into the welcoming arms of Ziegler, as Halifax held on for the three points.
A delighted McNeill told Vision: “It was a good game. We played a lot better than last week, and really showed what we are capable of, really happy.”
In contrast Ashhurst was philosophical about his side’s defeat, remarking: “In the first half we weren’t good enough and deserved to be behind. We battled well in the second half, but it wasn’t quite enough. We know how good this team is, we just didn’t show it today. We’ve just got to make sure we finish well and don’t go out with a whimper.”
Vision MOTM: James McNeill