HALIFAX SIDES PREVAIL IN CUP

HOCKEY: There was a double cup win for Halifax Hockey Club’s ladies teams last weekend.

The fourths took on Hull Hawks on Sunday in the first round of the Yvonne Horner Shield, the cup competition for teams in Yorkshire League Divisions Three and Four.

And they were made to fight-back from behind when Hawks took advantage of a sluggish start to score the opener inside five minutes.

Hull maintained their lead going into the second half but Halifax upped their game and Lauren Gillespie was outstanding in defence while the midfield of Hannah Smith, Ellie Sutcliffe, Connie Atwood and Leigh Hirst started to take control.

The equaliser came when Cara Casson produced a smart finish past the advancing goalkeeper.

And Halifax booked safe passage to the next round soon after, Leigh Hirst driving forward before putting Casson through for her second.

Halifax fifths also defeated Hawks opposition in their Division Five

Cup match and despite two weeks out of action, returned in style with a 6-0 triumph.

Halifax were in full control from the moment Sam Sutcliffe broke the deadlock.

Laura Armstrong scored the second from close range following Kiera Brennan’s drive down the right and Armstrong was on target again soon after to make it 3-0.

Halifax did not have to wait long before adding their fourth goal, with Brennan being rewarded for her player of the match performance with a goal of her own.

Rebecca Kirby made it 5-0 following Mia Ghosh’s excellent pass and the first-half barrage ended with a sixth just before the break, when Armstrong completed her hat-trick to put Halifax out of sight.

Halifax were unable to add any further goals despite a dominant second half performance. Good defensive work from

Natalie Hellowell, Claire Robertshaw and Katie Smith ensured that Georgia King had an easy day in goal and Halifax maintained their clean sheet.