After a series of disappointing results before Christmas, Halifax produced a dominant display to run out 9-1 winners over a numerically disadvantaged Alcuin side in a one-sided encounter.
The emphatic victory was a statement of intent by Halifax, as they look to close the gap to the top sides in the college hockey table. Alcuin meanwhile continue to languish at the foot of the table, as they failed to build on their excellent 1-0 victory over Derwent before Christmas.
Four goals by clinical striker Graeme Osborn and a further two from Captain Matt Pheasant helped Halifax on their way, but in reality the result was a foregone conclusion from the very start, since Alcuin were three players short. The numerical disadvantage quickly told, and from the first whistle Halifax were able to dominate possession and territory.
Despite this Alcuin proved resilient in the early stages, as Captain Dave Washington and the experienced Robin Willows proved stubborn obstacles in the backline along with James Luca Borroughs and James Bailey.
Midway through the half Halifax took the lead through a penalty goal after an excellent piece of build up play. The floodgates soon opened, and a second quickly followed as Alex Francis and Isaac Barker began to dominate the midfield.
Hannah Boyne was providing a constant threat down the left wing and linking up neatly with Helen Marston, as Halifax’s pressure began to tell. The third goal however was scored by an Alcuin player, the problem was it was at the wrong end, as on the reach Washington diverted a dangerous ball into the roof of his own net.
A fourth followed before half-time, and the game was all but over as a contest, despite some neat touches by Katie Penrose and Alex Wilson for Alcuin. Halifax were rarely troubled in defence, and a similar pattern continued after the break.
Indeed three quick goals followed the interval, as Halifax raced into an insurmountable lead, adding to Alcuin’s woes. Osborn continued to demonstrate his goal poaching ability, whilst Pheasant showed his capabilities by shrugging off one-challenge and firing home.
Alcuin were finally rewarded for their efforts, as a loose pass by Barker provided Tom Scott with a fantastic opportunity to score, and the striker duly obliged. The goal though was merely a consolation, and as Alcuin tired Halifax added a further two goals in the closing stages, to make the final score 9-1.
Vision MOTM: Matt Pheasant