A brace from striker Brodie Litchfield, as well as a debut goal from Benni Ndlovu gave Hallam the win in their first game of the season.

The two side’s met last season in the exact same round. with Hallam coming out victorious once again, winning 2-1.

Craig Denton began the game with six debutants, including the most recent signing of Charlie Staniland, the former Sheffield United, Toronto and Sheffield FC midfielder.

And after just five minutes, the Countrymen scored their first of the new campaign when Brandon Bradbury played in Litchfield behind the defence, who, with acres of space, took his time and slotted home.

After the goal, it was Lower Breck who dominated the possession but were unable to trouble Hugo Warhurst in goal, instead, playing lots of safe passes in their half.

And Hallam nearly capitalised on this on a couple of occasions, with Paulo Aguas notably running through on the left wing and striking near post, only for the ball to go through the goalkeeper but saved from going for a corner last minute.

With five minutes to go of the first half, the Countrymen doubled their lead with a carbon copy of the first: Litchfield baring down on goal behind the defence and slotting it home.

And less than two minutes later, Hallam got a third when Aguas ran through on goal once again from the left side. His initial shot was saved but poorly parried straight into the path of Ndlovu, who tapped home for his first in blue, meaning the hosts went into the break 3-0 up.

In the second half, there was little-to-no goal action for either side, but tempers were flaring with a few late sliding challenges, forcing many fouls.

With eight to go, Lower Breck got a goal back through substitute Alex Cherera, but Hallam dug deep and used their time well, with lots of the final moments being in a corner of the pitch, meaning Hallam finished as 3-1 winners, going through to the preliminary round of the FA Cup, where they will face City of Liverpool FC.

Hallam’s focuses are now on their first ever NPL East game, away at Garforth Town on the 9^th.

Photo Credits – Mike Bayly