Halifax stay in touch with promotion spots after Sheffield win

HALIFAX MEN’S firsts remained in touch at the top of the Yorkshire Premier with a 3-1 home win over Sheffield University Bankers.

Goals from John Horsley, Josh Sutcliffe and man of the match Casey Marshall keeps Halifax in fourth place and within striking distance of the top two promotion places in the division.

The under-strength second team conceded seven as they tired in the second half and lost 9-0 at Scarborough.

The visitors played well in the first half and youngster Michael

Brooke won the man of the man of the match award.

Halifax thirds were unable to recover from going 4-1 down at the break when they lost 4-2 at York.

Man of the match Mike Brennan netted both goals.

The fourths were up against it, facing a strong Scarborough side but competed well in a 4-0 loss. Roy Atkinson won the man of the match award thanks to his fine goalkeeping.

Halifax ladies firsts kept up the pace at the top of North Division Two with a resounding 7-0 win over Thirsk.

Lauren Vials’ strike from a short corner rebounded to Katie Wood who netted the opener and Wood added a second soon after.

Dani Parker made it 3-0 before the interval and she grabbed her second early in the second half.

Wood and Parker then completed their hat-tricks and Michaela Holroyde grabbed the seventh to round-off another impressive display.

Halifax ladies seconds struggled with only 10 players as they lost 5-2 to Kingston-upon-Hull.

There was a frustrating 3-2 loss for Halifax thirds in their trip to Bridlington.

Captain Jess Stott netted to leave Halifax trailing 2-1 at half-time but she was then sent off for dissent after the hosts scored from a controversial penalty flick.

Margaret Bottomley reduced the arrears but Bridlington held on.

■ Halifax U12s girls team played their penultimate set of games in Yorkshire League Three.

Cara Davies, Phoebe Gledhill and Lucy McDonnell all impressed on their debuts but Halifax got off to a slow start against strong teams from Leeds and Hull, losing 2-0 and 4-0.

However, the girls battled back to draw 2-2 with Huddersfield thanks to a double from Evie Shaw.

Halifax were edged out 1-0 by York in their fourth game with Flora Howarth, Zara Sturdee and Nevie Kendell all going close to scoring.

The final game ended in a 1-1 draw with a goal from Ruby Whitworth and fine displays from Amelia Sutherland and goalkeeper Evie Brennan.