James stormed to victory this morning in the opening match of today’s college hockey fixtures.
An excellent display saw them claim a hard-fought 4-1 victory over a determined Halifax side, who were weakened by a lack of girls, which meant they were essentially two players down.
Despite the eventual defeat, it was Halifax who took an early lead, as Isaac Barker’s ball into the D was turned home from close range, past the despairing reach of Ollie McGaw.
James though have not been defeated in the league since they lost 1-0 to Halifax over two years ago, and once more showed their resilience as they launched a superb comeback to overpower Halifax.
Chris Butterworth equalised 20 minutes into the contest, and a minute later they were ahead, as Jambo Talbot slotted home from close range.
Halifax almost equalised on the stroke of half-time as Alex Francis was just unable to touch a ball home, but after the break James made their man advantage count, as they played some flowing hockey.
The victory though was only sealed with five minutes left, as Declan Hall’s shot hit a foot on the line, resulting in the award of a penalty goal. And two minutes later the lead was extended to 4-1, as Talbot added his second of the game from the left side of the area.
James McNeill fired wide for Halifax in the closing stages, but the James victory was sealed as they moved to yet another victory and cemented their place at the top of the table.
In the day’s other match, Goodricke recorded their first win of the season, as they beat 4-3 Derwent to move up to second in the standings.
A close fought encounter could easily have gone either way, but eventually the side from Heslington East prevailed to claim a hard fought victory. The dramatic contest saw Derwent almost claim a point, but their last minute equaliser was disallowed.
Both Halifax and James were supposed to have further games against Vanbrugh and Langwith respectively, but the clashes will be rearranged after player shortages. Alcuin meanwhile had the week off and enjoyed a bye.