Halifax FC women secured a crucial point against Burnley at Myra Shay in the league fixture this Sunday. The team demonstrated great toughness, holding the opponent to a 0-0 draw.
The first half saw the two teams battle intensely across the whole pitch, with both creating a considerable number of chances.
In the 4th minute, the opponent’s striker squeezed through our defence and fired on goal, forcing a save from our goalkeeper, Maddie Crosbie. Seven minutes later, the opponents’ early cross from the left was met by a header at the far post, which put the ball into the net. However, that goal was disallowed due to offside.
After the fierce attack from Burnley during the opening minutes, the Eagles managed to turn things around and created a few chances. The 17th minute witnessed Farah Crompton trying to play a through ball to Meg Shaw from the edge of the box, but that ball was collected by the goalkeeper. Three minutes later, we created a scoring opportunity through a corner from the right, as our close shot in the box after a head flick-on was wide.
In the 26th minute, Bonnie Davies was pulled during our counterattack, leading to a yellow card for the opponent. Two minutes later, the opponent had a 1v1 with the goalkeeper after a through ball from midfield, but their attempt went just wide from the far post.
The opponent launched a dangerous attack in the 42nd minute, but Maddie Crosbie kept out their powerful strike from outside the box. At the 3rd minute of the added time, Meg Shaw’s effort from a distance was just wide, and the referee blew the half-time whistle.
During the second half, Burnley launched a more intense attacking spell, but the Eagles’ defence held firm and kept the clean sheet. The first threat in the second half happened in the 53rd minute, as Anna Phillips made a crucial block following the opponent’s volley attempt. Three minutes later, Farah Crompton dribbled past the defender and forced the second yellow card for Burnley.
The 80th minute saw the opponent’s effort after an inswinging corner hit the bar. Six minutes later, Macy Settle forced a third yellow card for the opponent as she was pulled during an attack.
In the 86th minute, the opponent’s goalkeeper made an error to give the ball to our player, but Meg Shaw’s long-range lob was wide.
Entering the added time, Phoebe Hollin made an important interception to stop the opponent’s attack from the right. Three minutes later, Burnley’s overhead kick attempt was saved by Maddie Crosbie.
The games ended with Halifax FC taking away an important draw.
A draw against one of the league’s promotion favourites will certainly boost our players’ confidence.
The Eagles will be back on the road next Sunday against Worcester City in an FA WNL Plate clash.
Written by Dai Xingzhi
View the match gallery from the game here!