In what is bound to be an absorbing contest, the quality of finishing will play a key role in determining the outcome of Halifax 1sts vs Halifax 2nds.
Halifax 1sts topped Group 3, advancing after a solid 2-1 victory over Vanbrugh 3rds on the last day. They recovered from an early blip in the campaign to emerge through Group 3 as group winners. Star performances from Matt Mawdesley and Johnny Sim have been instrumental in their success, continuing the trend we have seen in the Autumn and Spring terms.
Halifax 2nds, runners up in Group 4, secured their qualification after a last-gasp Connor Meckin effort edged a 3-2 victory over table toppers Vanbrugh 1sts, in a thrilling finale to the College Cup group stages. They too lost just one of their five matches, and results such as their 7-0 thrashing of Derwent 3rds should give their upcoming opponents something to fear.
Halifax 1sts have so often been able to camp in their opponents’ third, thanks to their wealth of talent, especially in midfield. Ash Daly has been a passing metronome, while skipper Jack Beadle seems to have recovered from his achilles injury. His return is a welcome boost for the freshers who will need experienced heads around to guide them through the competition.
The 2nds, meanwhile, will want to exploit the flanks and so many times we have seen teams unable to cope with their crosses from out wide and movement in the box. Luke Stevenson in particular is the midfield road-runner who can cause any defence problems on his day. Arguably their strongest area is up front, as goalscorers Conor Meckin and Jake Mundy have been in excellent form.
The 1sts will certainly have their eyes on the semi-finals already, as on paper the first team are always more talented individuals, yet both sides will know a lot about each other; their tactics and tendencies.
In what is sure to be a close, fiery and eagerly anticipated encounter, Halifax 2nds will feel no pressure and that key factor could contribute to an unexpected result. In the knockout stages it is always unpredictable, and Halifax 2nds will certainly not be a walkover.
Prediction: Halifax 1sts 3-1 Halifax 2nds..
Players to Watch: Matt Mawdesley (Halifax 1sts); Connor Meckin (Halifax 2nds)