Wood strikes late goal to seal promotion in Fax’s final game
AFTER COMPETING for eight years in North Division Two, Halifax ladies firsts finally achieved promotion with a thrilling 3-2 final-day win over Durham.
In the last six years they have finished no lower than fourth, but with only one team going up each year, achieving promotion is extremely difficult.
They started the day one point ahead of title rivals Newcastle, with destiny in their own hands, but there were a few nerves as the game got underway.
Nevertheless, Halifax were quick out of the blocks and immediately pressed Durham back with wave after wave of red and white, trying to find a way through the visiting defence.
The final ball into the D lacked its usual quality but as the game neared half-time a precise Amy March pass into the circle was deflected by Katie
Wood into the path of Ruth Prosser, who smashed the ball into the net.
With Halifax’s nerves settled, they found more momentum and after several passages of slick play, Lauren Vials’ strong ball forward found Dani Parker, who applied a sweet touch on the ball to guide it past a very determined Durham keeper.
Halifax looked to be cruising at the start of the second half but a combination of Durham’s fighting spirit and baffling umpiring decisions saw them pegged back.
When the danger from a Durham break was cleared, the defence were amazed by the award of a penalty flick.
Despite the best efforts of Cassie Barker, Durham netted to cut the deficit to a single goal.
The goal sparked the visitors into life and it got worse for the hosts when, following a flurry short corners, the Halifax defenders succumbed and Durham drew level.
With less than ten minutes of the season remaining, Halifax’s dreams of promotion remained in the balance, and they knew that only a win would guarantee promotion.
The pressure mounted as Halifax’s midfield and attack tried to force another goal but Durham stood strong and defended with all their might.
However, the breakthrough came with only three minutes remaining. Lauren Vials fired the ball into the circle again and this time Katie Wood was there to deflect it past the Durham keeper for the match-winning goal.
Halifax retained possession until the final whistle blew when the wild celebrations began.
Halifax ladies first team would like to thank everyone for their support and hard work throughout the season.