FC Halifax Town Claimed a derby win at the Crown Oil Arena as Hmami nets a double against high-flying Rochdale.
Adam Lakeland kept faith with the same XI that overcame Aldershot Town last weekend, and his side delivered another commanding performance to secure derby bragging rights in a lively contest at the Crown Oil Arena.
The opening stages were tight, with few clear-cut chances. Ryan East had the first real effort for the hosts, drilling low from the edge of the box, but Sam Johnson was quickly down to make the save. Aidan Barlow tested the visitors twice, first volleying back across goal from a right-wing cross, forcing Johnson into action, and then seeing another effort superbly blocked by Jevon Mills. Several corners followed, but the Shaymen stood firm, defending with composure and organisation.
That resolve was rewarded on 41 minutes. Jamie Cooke cut inside from the left and delivered a dangerous cross. Under pressure, Will Harris nodded the ball down, and Josh Hmami was quickest to react, swivelling sharply before rifling a finish into the top corner from close range. It was his fifth goal of the season and sparked wild celebrations among the travelling support.
The Shaymen started the second half on the front foot and struck again just minutes in. Cooke picked up a loose ball, drove inside, and floated a cross into the box. Hmami timed his run perfectly, meeting it with a brilliant volley that flew through a line of bodies and past goalkeeper Oliver Whatmuff for his second of the night, making it four goals in three games.
Rochdale responded after the hour when substitute Devante Rodney collected a loose clearance on the edge of the box and fired low into the far corner. Johnson got fingertips to the effort, but it nestled inside the net, giving the hosts a lifeline. The home side pressed for an equaliser, but the Shaymen’s defence remained disciplined throughout, repeatedly putting bodies in the way to snuff out danger.
Halifax continued to threaten on the counter. Cooke unleashed a thunderous 35-yard strike that Whatmuff fumbled into the air before gathering at the second attempt. Johnson then produced a crucial late save, reacting with his feet to keep out East’s effort that took a deflection through a crowded box. In the final moments, former Town man Emmanuel Dieseruvwe headed wide from a high cross when it looked like it just needed a touch, but the Shaymen held firm.
Brilliant defending all night, combined with quality up front, ensures the Shaymen leave the Crown Oil Arena with all three points. Hmami’s double proves decisive, and the win gives Town twelve points from twelve, leaving the travelling fans celebrating a well-earned Lancashire–Yorkshire derby.
1 Whatmuff, 2 Gordon ©, 4 East, 5 Hogan (6 Ebanks-Landell 70), 7 Allarakhia (22 Moss 84), 8 Gilmour, 9 Dieseruvwe, 14 Adebayo-Rowling (30 Berkoe 70), 18 Barlow (12 Amantchi 70), 21 McBride (10 Rodney 46), 33 Beckwith
Subs: 16 Pettit, 19 Burger
1 Johnson ©, 4 Hugill, 5 Hobson, 8 Hmami (20 Jenkins 81), 9 Harris (31 Devonport 67), 10 Cooke, 11 Cappello (36 Latty-Fairweather 81), 16 Mills, 17 Bray (22 Kawa 67), 27 Turner-Cooke, 29 Tarima (3 Adetoro 85)
Subs 12 Ford, 19 Warburton
Goals: Hmami 41, 54, Devante 60
Yellow Cards: Harris 37, Hugill 43, Barlow 58, Rodney 76, Gordon 80, Moss 85, Cooke 90 + 5
Red Cards: None
Attendance: 3466 (584 away)
Rochdale 1 FC Halifax Town 2
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