Saturday the 22nd saw Afc Halifax make the long journey over to Grimsby. For the 1st time all players showed up on time minus Marcus Lazyboy Stapley who despite his alarm going off didn't show up at all, Numerous excuses were received (including blaming his mum), but none were excepted.
The match started with a quick pace, Grimsby had the 1st attempt on target, but Buffon was equal to it. AFC Halifax started to get on-top of things when against the run of play Higgins under no pressure smashed the ball into the top corner leaving Buffon with no chance, 1-0 Grimsby. In recent weeks the heads would of dropped, but the OG only spurred Halifax on, And not 5mins later things were level. A simple ball from Fawkes left Ramsden clean through one on one with only the keeper to beat. With an (almost) expected heavy 1st touch the chance looked to of passed, but luckily for Ramsden the keeper smashed the ball against him leaving him to simply walk the ball in, a chance even Bernard couldn't mis, 1-1. Things didn't end there, and within a few minutes Halifax found themselves 2-1 when again Ramsden was played through. This time, obviously full of confidence from his 1st goal, he chipped the keeper sublimely when one on one leaving him clutching at fresh air. It was then that Higgins decided he wanted some more goal action, only this time he was disappointed to see his powerful header rebound of Buffons woodwork.
Halifax were well on top. Bernard playing his best game to date. Fawkes and Hembers pulling the strings in Midfield and Bobbins mopping up all Probets mistakes. It wasn't long until Halifax scored the 3rd goal. A quick switch from Higgins played Bernard in and his cross gained a corner, from the resulting Fawkes corner Hembers, mooching around at the back post, headed in leaving the keeper no chancem 3-1. As Halifax were just about ready for a Barker teamtalk. Grimsby had one more chance to claw one back. A corner comes in and there big number 5 hits a point blank effort at Buffon, who superbly keeps the effort out and earns himself a trip to A&E.
After a long halftime break the Halifax players were ready to begin the 2nd half. A few changes made. Bernard came off allowing Lukowski to come on and make his debut, Barker also came on for, hospital bound Buffon. Halifax began the second half strong as the debut boy Lukowski, albeit from a dodgy 1st touch scored his 1st Afc goal. 4-1. From then on it was swings and roundabouts, some challenges flying in which the ref seemed ok with on Halifax but when the challenges came in on Grimsby he was quick to blow up. This led to shouts from Barker "Two teams playing Ref" this resulted in a quick word in Barkers ear.
Grimsby were now playing like a side who wanted to win the game, and were quickly pulled a goal back, one of which Probets should really of dealt with better. Grimsby seemed to have clicked that the Halifax back-line was as quick as my dead nan, as time and again they were playing the ball over the top, some better finishing would of caused more problems. Danny tried his look from 30yards, as Halifax seemed to of lost there hold on the game. The mariners pulled another goal back as the striker was played through one on one, Probets glued to his line (blaming a dodgy groin) leaving the striker an easy tap in. 4-3.
As Grimsby were just starting to run riot Hembers popped up with a sucker punch. Again from another corner, again leaving the keeper no chance. 5-3. As time was ticking down the challenges kept flying in. Tom Ashton on the receiving end of a cynical challenge, resulting in a Red Card for the defender. It didn't stop there 2mins later Higgins got into a scuffle after another late challenge, Nathan Wright the player jumping in looking to calm things down. With 5mins left Grimsby got there 4th goal. The whole team dug in to grind out a positive result. The match ended 5-4 to the Afc Boys. Another good showing and the only bad note being the injury to Dave (Buffon) Sutton. We all wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him back playing asap. Albeit for Afc Halifax or local Saturday league side Northowram (who have been, unsuccessfully, tapping him up).
