AFC Halifax Vs Manchester Cit
AFC Halifax lost their second home game on the bounce on Saturday against a very adept and immaculately dressed Manchester City side at Lightcliffe Academy. Halifax twice took the lead in the first half but failed to capitalise on some good periods of play as they eventually fell to a 4-2 defeat.
In a game played only 12 hours after news broke of the passing of Jean Alexander aka Hilda Ogden, the Citeh outfit walked onto the hallowed Lightcliffe turf in the whitest tracksuits the IFA has ever seen- some feeling this to be somewhat insensitive. Following a tepid warm-up the away side appeared as if they would walk the game with their midfield lynchpin, and semi-professional Curly Watts look-a-like, chuckling at regular intervals at how disappointing it was the home side had not laid on any Eccles cakes in the dressing room.
AFC were once again without some star names as injuries continued to rule out Martin Probets (leg) and Ash Addy (creased blouse) but the game did see the return of have-a-go hero Gavin Higgins at centre back. Head honcho John Barker was afforded the luxury of other star names such as Adam Robinson and Luke “2 Sugars†Coffey however both of whom had to settle for a spot on the proverbial bench.
The previous days’ rain meant that conditions underfoot were not the best for either side and the game saw a number of ‘interesting’ slide challenges- with John Luders (renowned fan of sugar- from morning right through to supper time) the guilty party on a number of occasions before he was later withdrawn after becoming dazed and confused during an attempt to complete a Cruyff turn.
It was to be Higgins who opened his AFC Halifax account just 5 minutes into the game. AFC were presented with their first corner following some unconventional goalkeeping (a first return to footballing action for former Manchester City wonderkid Michael Johnson). It was clear that set pieces had not been discussed in the warm-up as nobody stepped forward to take it before eventually, and somewhat reluctantly, Simon ‘The Body’ Noble duly obliged. His corner floated into the box with all the grace of a ballerina’s pirouette as it nestled upon Higgins’ head and flew somewhat fortuitously through the goalkeeper’s grasp. 1-0.
Shortly after this Marcus Stapley was reminded that You’re Not Nineteen Forever and was withdrawn for Tom Ashton after claiming he had an injured wrist, his claims he had injured this the previous evening whilst completing very important managerial forms in his high-powered role were rubbished.
That lead did not last long and Citeh found themselves level; Watts cut inside on to what was clearly his favoured foot (although having met the man he would without doubt have the arrogance to claim he was ambidextrous) and hit an effort that would have floated harmlessly wide for it not striking the knee of fullback Chris Peacock as he attempted to close it down; that deflection saw the ball sneak passed David Sutton in the Halifax goal for 1-1.
The goals came thick and fast in the first half and Halifax fought back to regain the lead only moments later. A quick throw in between Peacock and Luders saw the former fire a left-footed ball into the Citeh box which somehow evaded everyone and found its way into the far corner. A first goal in 3 years for Peacock so attempts from striker Adam Ramsden to claim it were categorically deplored by those in attendance.
It was that same attempted goal-thief that should have had his very own to celebrate just two minutes before half time; Ramsden broke away from the Citeh backline to find himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper however he fired his left footed shot at the base of the far post.
Only moments later the second equalising goal came on the stroke of half-time. The tricky Citeh winger, the eventual man-of-the –match, broke away down the left wing and played a ball across the face of the Halifax goal which former striker-now-defender Adam Probets laced into the roof of his own goal via the palm of Sutton in the goal.
Half-time came and went with substitutions for both sides. As time drew on in the game though the away side began to take more control and found themselves ahead for the first time. A direct free-kick at the edge of the box made its way over the wall and into the bottom corner of the goal; Sutton admitting himself he could have done better had he not applied as much hair product prior to the game.
Halifax continued to battle for a goal with a strong performance from Andy Hemblys initially in attack and later in midfield. Hemblys had missed the previous 6 games as he continued to struggle to combine his work as both an accountant and professional human easel with having a much younger girlfriend. His expected lethargy from such endeavours was not apparent as he fought hard to win possession and create opportunities for those around him.
The game came to a sudden and potentially quite serious stop midway through the second half as young Citeh midfielder, Watts, went down in clear pain following a 50/50 challenge with Ramsden. “Stop Crying Your Heart Out!†one observer cried. The screams could be heard as far afield as Withernshawe with some even suggesting calls for an ambulance- thankfully the call to the emergency services, and to wife Raquel, were put on hold as Watts got up and was ready to resume the game.
The knife was twisted as Citeh soon made it 4-2; a ball over the top was seemingly dealt with by the impressive Probets but a lucky ricochet fell kindly to the Mancunian striker who managed to finish from a very tight angle. It was a bitter pill to swallow after for the home side who had felt they had done enough up to that point to be at least on level terms.
The away side had much the better chances in the final stages of the game and should have had a further goal, or two, to add to their tally but blazed several chances off target when perhaps Hilda Ogden herself would’ve fancied notching even though she is, as mentioned, now dead.
Referee Lou Casalino blew the whistle and the home side were left to think what might have been. It was clear for all in attendance that Manchester City are one of the best footballing sides currently playing in the IFA and no doubt deserved their points. An enjoyable game played in the right manner. AFC Halifax’s next game sees them make the trek to Grimsby on Saturday 22nd October prior to FC Halifax Town’s game at Boston.
Team: Sutton, Peacock, Probets, Higgins, Heaton, Stapley, Wright, Noble, Luders, Ramsden, Hemblys
Subs: Ashton, Barker (Unused), Jackson, Coffey, Bowe, Robinson
Not nineteen forever
