Words Elliot Batty

FC Halifax Town 5 Altrincham 1

Altrincham travelled to Halifax looking to kick-start their campaign against a Halifax side who had won their previous game.

The opening quarter-of-an-hour was evenly contested, with both teams showing promising signs but neither able to break the deadlock. However, in the 20th minute, Halifax took the lead with a quick counter-attack, finishing past a diving William Rodwell to open the scoring.

Not long after, Halifax doubled their advantage with a clean strike into the bottom corner, despite Alty having looked the more promising side during the opening stages.

Alty responded almost immediately, winning the ball back through the press. Jaiden Walker slid a pass through the defence for Elliot Batty (pictured), who calmly slotted the ball past the keeper to give his side hope of a comeback.

However, Altrincham’s efforts were halted by a third Halifax goal just before half-time, despite the young Robins creating several chances to level the game.

The second half began in a similar fashion to the opening stages, with both teams looking capable of scoring. Free-kicks and corners at both ends provided further opportunities, while substitutions from both sides brought fresh legs in search of another goal.

Halifax eventually extended their lead around the 60th minute when a cut-back across the box was tapped in at the back post. The same situation occurred again in the 80th minute, with Halifax adding a fifth goal to complete the scoring.

It was a disappointing result for Altrincham, particularly after a first half in which they created opportunities and looked capable of getting back into the game.

A difficult result for Alty, with Halifax proving clinical in key moments.

Squad on the day:
William Rodwell
Charlie Barnes
Kian Leckey
Eoghan Walker
Osman Fabritius
Paul Oyedemi
Jeovannis Bushidi
Jaiden Walker
Elliot Batty
Zachary Crisp
Callum Meppem
Corey Wynne
Tom Raftery 
Fin Mason
Dan Chrysler