GUISELEY ACADEMY 3 FC HALIFAX TN 2

FC HALIFAX continued their inconsistent start to the season after they were beaten at Guiseley in the NLFA North Division.

The visitors struggled to adapt to the weather conditions throughout.

Town had a great opportunity in the opening minutes, though, their free kick effort didn’t quite curl enough and hit the side netting.

The Shaymen struggled to impose their personality on the game and the hosts took full advantage of this, with Josh Stones netting his tenth of the season from close range.

Stones came close to doubling his tally but struck wide from a great position.

Halifax head coach Gavin Atherton was disappointed by his side’s performance. He said: “They (Guiseley) were tough, out-battled, worked harder and wanted it more.

“It took 35 minutes for us to adapt to their diamond system.”

The hosts doubled their lead through a Jakub Hebda volley.

Hebda went close again early in the second half, however his free kick effort sailed just over.

Hebda did provide an assist in the 64th minute as he found Stones who slotted in his second of the game and cap off an excellent week after signing first team forms.

The Shaymen put up a valiant effort late on in the second half, scoring twice in the final 15 minutes through Frankie Sinfield and Sam Essien.

Sinfield in particular stood out in the second half for the visitors.

Atherton, was encouraged by the second half performance ahead of their next fixture against Chestefield.

He said: “Using the mid-press nullified the Guiseley threat, and we created more in the second half.

“Chesterfield are a direct, up-front and use their height as an advantage, therefore, we must adapt to the situation.”

For Guiseley, they will hope to extend their 100 per cent winning record to five games as they host Boston United at Nethermoor Park.