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Photos: Jack Bradshaw
A late strike from Andy Fernando saw Alcuin come from behind to snatch a remarkable victory against Halifax on the 3G.
The winger pounced with just five minutes remaining, stroking the ball home from close range leaving Halifax with little time to reply.
Halifax dominated the first half and took a deserved lead through Connor Meckin. But Alcuin equalised in sensational style as a clearance from goalkeeper David Marshall flew into the Halifax net at the other end.
Halifax pressed again to restore their advantage but were thwarted by Fernando’s strike, as Alcuin got their Spring Term programme off to the perfect start.
Today was Halifax’s first competitive fixture of the academic year following their ban enforced by the university in October, but it was not a day to remember for the team in white.
For Alcuin, meanwhile, it was their second win this year as the college look to improve on a disappointing Autumn Tern in which only Langwith finished below them.
The pattern of play for the first half was set Halifax attempted to use their battering ram of a striker, Hamish Denham, to create chances ahead of a creative midfield quintet.
Early warning signs were visible when Elliot Reagan fired over from Kieron Gennoy’s volleyed cross before Denham thumped a header over the bar.
Alcuin were largely comfortable and defended well, but they switched off at the crucial moment. Denham dropped off the front line and played a wonderful through pass to Meckin, who clipped the ball past the onrushing Marshall.
The goal sparked a sense of urgency from Alcuin, who searched for a route back into the game. Graham Kimber crashed a shot just wide after a flowing move and Fernando whipped in some dangerous crosses.
After the break, Alcuin continued to improve as Kimber saw his shot brilliantly tipped onto the post by a fully-extended Ziegler. Reagan, meanwhile, wasted his shot from close range in an effort to double Halifax’s lead.
What followed after 57 minutes surprised everyone on the pitch. Marshall, executing a routine drop-kick clearance, saw the ball carried downfield by the wind before bouncing wickedly over his opposite number Harry Ziegler and into the ‘Fax net.
Halifax brought on winger Dan Jones to wrest control back, but Alcuin remained threatening on the counter-attack.
And Alcuin had the last say to complete a memorable comeback win as Fernando kept his cool inside the penalty area to beat the advancing Ziegler and send his teammates into ecstasy.
Vision MOTM: Andy Fernando