First defeat on the road this season

By Jack Seery

Simply not good enough

After last week's home victory against Bradley Park, yesterday Halkyn made the trip to Wrexham, to take on Acton FC. Despite having won all five away games in the league so far, Halkyn knew Acton would not be an easy game after they beat Flint Mountain the previous week on their home turf.
Halkyn were without two of their regular goalscorers Shane Wellings due to work and also league top goalscorer Jon Edmonds who was missing after last week's dismissal. The game got underway with Halkyn battling the wind during the first half, Halkyn looked to knock the ball around on the ground and play their usual game. Acton started the better and quickly Halkyn keeper Jack Seery was called into action pushing the ball onto the post and out for a corner, after an Acton forward found himself free in the area. It was a busy first half for the Halkyn keeper who moments later produced a fine left handed save, after the shot came through an array of bodies within the box.
It was Halkyn's turn to move the ball forward and trouble the Acton defence, after good play down the wings Halkyn ended up getting a number of corners within a ten minute spell. However, Halkyn could not find the back of the net with Acton keeping the ball out and clearing their lines. Acton looked to use the wind to their benefit and test the Halkyn defence, with Ryan Oldfield and Anthony Jones winning their battles in the air and against the Acton strikers. After 25 minutes, a long ball found an Acton striker who was deemed not offside however he could not beat Jack at his left hand side post as he cut in from the right. Edward Moore nearly put Halkyn in front moment later when his strike beat the goalkeeper, but the Acton defender cleared off the line!!! Not long before half time Acton had two further chances that were kept out, with Jack Seery tipping a swerving shot over the bar and then keeping the resulting corner out with his feet from a low driven corner.
The second half began with Ryan Oldfield going off injured after he picked up an injury in the first half, but despite trying to carry on it was physically not possible. Acton started the better and after a defensive miss clearance, the Acton forward poked the ball under Jack Seery giving Acton the lead. A mad fifteen minutes followed with Halkyn conceding a further three goals with two being easily preventable on another day. Halkyn kept on fighting to the bitter end with Captain Sêan Wilkes providing the assist for Leon Pickford to calmly stroke home his first Halkyn goal after three games. Minutes later Sêan Wilkes grabbed a goal for himself, after some neat work on the right by Edward Moore he delivered a ball to Big Trac who made it 13 competitive goals this season in 12 games.
A day to forget for Halkyn, against a team who will be difficult to face especially on their home pitch. Two goals in the last 10 minutes showed Halkyn's desire and commitment to play till the end, however knowing they have to do better come next game.