Halifax’s impressive second half secures a close finish

Halifax FC Women faced Loughborough Lightning, one of the top teams in the division, last Sunday at the Young Guns FC Arena, showcasing an impressive second half which resulted in a close finish 3-2.

The match started off well for Halifax women with a freekick in the very first minute, which Lucy Walsh took long and on target, but it was pushed wide by Loughborough goalkeeper. Following that, the Lightnings took possession, initiating good runs and winning corners. However, the Eagle’s stayed strong with a few saves from Bamford and good clearances.

In the 11th minute, Loughborough earned an early lead by scoring, despite a good challenge from Halifax’s Minnie Wilson. A brilliant team defensive effort was seen from the women in blue in the 28th minute – Loughborough attempted to score after a clearence on the left side of the pitch in front of Bamford, which went between her legs and hit the side bar . Loughborough players recovered quickly and attempted to score again but the kick was blocked by halifax defence and cleared inches away from the goal line.

Halifax’s Wilson attempted a shot on target in the 30th minute , but it was defended by the opposition . A handball call from the referee resulted in a freekick in favour of Loughborough. The long free kick was received by Lydia Tilbury – Henry, who passed to Zynia Delglyn who extended Loughborough’s lead to 2-0 going into the half time.

The Eagles came back strong in the second half scoring within five minutes. Halifax’s Izzy Armson made an attacking play which was saved by the keeper, but Minnie Wilson’s follow up shot marked the first goal. Just two minutes later , Maddie Stout tackled Loughborough’s Lauren Purchase , regained possession and made a brilliant run towards the open post , but she was fouled from behind very close to the penalty box . The subsequent freekick hit the wall and missed.

The last 10 minutes of the match were filled with excitement as both teams created a series of chances to attack and score. Halifax defence was finally broken in the 85th minute as Lightnings scored their third goal to the bottom corner of the post.

Halifax’s Lexi Harrison surprised everyone with an unexpected goal in the last minute of the game. Harrison’s speed caught the goalkeeper off guard as she snatched the ball and slid it into the bottom corner, resulting in the close final score of 3-2 .

Halifax women are aiming to carry their impressive second half performance into the next Sunday’s match.

Match report written by Malavika Manoj A – https://malavikama.wordpress.com/ 

Match photos by Nicola Williams – https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBLJcq