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Photos: Tom Wooldridge
Halifax 1sts staved off the threat of Halifax 2nds in the third cup quarter-final, to join James 1sts and Derwent 1sts in the semis. Two goals from Hamish Denham helped the 1sts on their way and despite a spirited effort by the 2nds, the superior quality of their opponents told.
1sts goalkeeper Johnny Sim was called into action with only minutes on the clock, as he had to deny Jake Mundy from a free kick, but then Halifax 1sts took an early lead. A free kick from the left was whipped in by Ash Daly, finding Denham in acres of space, who duly guided his header into the bottom corner, to settle any pre-match nerves. Denham then almost turned provider, as his long throws caused chaos, one breaking to Tom Day, who rifled his shot onto the bar.
The 1sts were completely dominant, and threatened to kill the game off as a contest in the early stages, as firstly Daly hooked a shot wide, and then Denham was brilliantly denied by ‘keeper Dean Hanson. A more clinical finish by Denham though who was through on goal, would have left Hanson with no chance and undoubtedly doubled the score.
Halifax 2nds though continued to battle hard, and gradually attained a foothold in the game. Keiran Gennoy burst forward and had a shot saved by Sim, before the 2nds equalised. A free kick was conceded on the edge of the area, and Craig Dean floated in an inviting ball, which was glanced home by Luke Stevenson.
The 1sts were playing some excellent passing football, controlling possession, but were largely unable to break their determined opponents down. Tom Day was in particularly inspirational form, as he displayed some marvellous touches, to create numerous openings, but to no avail. Both sets of defences played solidly, standing up to the challenges thrown at them, and at half time the scoreline read 1-1.
The 2nds continued to fight for every ball, hustling their counterparts and making life difficult. Nevertheless they couldn’t prevent Halifax 1sts retaking the lead. Denham’s long throw was flicked on by Alex Reid, and after another touch from an unfortunate defender the ball nestled in the back of the net. Ash Daly then struck a freekick goalbound, but the impressive Hanson was equal to the challenge.
Soon after though Halifax 1sts sealed their place in the final with a crucial third goal which more or less killed of the game as a contest. It arrived in somewhat controversial circumstances, as defenders protested that the ball had left the field of play, after Denham had tapped home a Reid cutback. However the goal stood as the referee waved away any protests.
Dan Jones came on a second half substitute, and along with Matt Mawdesley, he created numerous chances for Halifax 1sts. However the 2nds refused to surrender to defeat, and Craig Dean tested out Sim with a long range effort. As the game grew on, Day got better and better, his control was sublime and his range of passing and movement a pleasure to behold, all that was missing was the finish. Twice he found himself with excellent opportunities, but on both occasions he failed to really test Hanson.
Hanson’s heroics kept the scoreline at 3-1 as the game drew to a close. Jones drew a remarkable save from him with a curled effort which was heading for the top corner. Then from the resulting corner, he made a reaction block to deny Denham his hattrick. This was though of no major concern to Halifax 1sts who in the end strolled to a 3-1 victory, in the process booking a semi-final date with James 1sts, in what promises to be an enthralling encounter.
1sts captain Jack Beadle commented: “I’m very happy with today’s performance; it’s the best we’ve played so far. That’s five wins in five now, and we’re looking to take that into the next game”.
Dean Hanson, the 2nds keeper, who had put in a terrific display, was proud of his team but disappointed to exit the competition, stating: “I’m disappointed to lose but we did well. Our heads dropped a bit after the second goal, and the main difference was that they were just a bit more clinical. We’ll be supporting the 1sts from now on, and hoping they can lift the cup”.
Vision MOTM: Tom Day