Halse started their 20/21 Season with a resilient 1-0 win vs last season's winners Hardwick.

The conditions for the game were far from ideal, with the lack of rain meaning for a firm pitch, coupled with lots of wind. Both teams knew that this was going to be a tough game.

The game started very evenly, with most of the battles being fought in the midfield. Liam Simpson, Ollie Read, and Cam Harris all battled hard to get the ball down and create chances, however few came.

Both sides had a few decent chances coming in the first half, Dean Ingram had a few volleys that he couldn't convert, and one of the Hardwick forwards was set through on goal, however this was dealt with by Halse Captain Jack Purnell.

As the half-time whistle blew, I think both teams were wondering how a breakthrough was going to come.

Luckily shortly after the start of the second half, Halse forward Adam Hilton showed some great footwork and awareness and set Ingram through on goal. Dean took a quick snapshot half volley which the Hardwick keeper saved, however Dean was on hand to smash in the rebound before the Hardwick skipper could clear.

The remainder of the second half was much of the same. Both team struggling to create chances. Hats off to both Halse centre backs, James Keen and Jack Hamblin, who seemed determined not to be beat, in what was a must win game.

There was 2 league debuts for Halse, who saw Scott Whitmore replace the injured Hilton, while Phil Spindlove came on for Purnell.

Halse now look on to next weeks fixture against a strong Bodicote Sports side.