Halifax pair's contrasting fortunes

Actions from Halifax Ladies I v Wakefield, at Exley Park. Pictured is Emma Bedford

They host champions Leeds Adel in their finale at Park Lane HS, Exley on Saturday.

Steph Jones scored within five minutes to set the tone.

Strong running from midfield and good control allowed Danielle O’Neill to score the next with a solid strike from the top of the circle.

The third goal came from a short corner set up by Lauren Wright, the ball being deflected in by Michaela Midgley.

Dani Parker then made her mark with a quickfire hat-trick.

The midfield, Claire Waldron, Wright and Emma Bedford worked tirelessly to feed balls through to the forwards.

Early in the second half, Halifax were awarded a penalty flick which captain Jen Brennan converted.

Halifax maintained the momentum and moved the ball well to create space. O’Neill made it 8-0 and when Halifax were awarded another penalty flick in the last 10 minutes, ‘keeper Cassie Barker completed a fantastic win.

Halifax’s men were crushed 10-1 by a Huddersfield side who knew that a win would almost certainly guarantee them the Yorkshire Premier title.

Despite a steady start Halifax, Huddersfield were soon 2-0 up with two superbly taken goals from one of their star players. A third followed from a well-executed short corner routine.

Striker Matthew Graham, back after a seven week absence, went close with a couple of half chances. Captain Jake Bamforth and full back Ben Greenwood were working well down the right and Sam Spencer was playing some nice through balls.

The second half went entirely the way of Huddersfield, who upped their game. Halifax lost concentration and their shape, through tiredness of chasing down a team of Huddersfield’s quality.

Goals went in regularly inspite of another man of the match display from ‘keeper Matthew Breton.

Greenwood managed a consolation goal for Halifax midway through the half with a neat finish after good work from Connor Sutcliffe.

Halifax face Leeds 3 on Saturday in their final game with a two point advantage over relegation rivals Grimsby (away to Harrogate) and Ben Rhydding (home to Bradford).