Hallam’s unbeaten home league start to the season continued with a 1-0 win over Tadcaster Albion.

Leon Howarth’s first half header clinched victory for the Countrymen, in what was a bitty encounter at Sandygate.

The visitors started brightly, and had shouts for an early penalty waved away when Albert Ibrahimi felt he was brought down by captain Danny South.

Chris Salt had Hallam’s first opportunity of the evening when his shot on the half turn was smartly saved by goalkeeper Sam Green, with Rio Allan unable to convert moments later.

Danny South then saw his header from a corner flash wide of the mark.

The Countrymen then went in front on the 25 minute mark, when a long ball over the top bounced up and met the head of Leon Howarth, who nodded it over the onrushing goalkeeper.

Howarth came close to doubling the lead moments later when his effort was tipped over spectacularly by Green.

And the goalkeeper was called into action again to palm away Brandon Bradbury’s shot from distance.

The second half was a much more tame affair, and Rio Allan had the best chance of the early stages when his shot trickled into the hands of the goalkeeper from outside the penalty area.

The Countrymen had a great chance to extend the lead further when Danny South’s effort was beaten away by Green, following some tricky footwork by Allan.

Tadcaster’s first chance of the second half came when Benjamin Tweed fired well over from long range.

And the visitors were indebted to defender Kieran Greenway when he hooked clear Danny South’s header from almost on the goalline, keeping Allan from an almost certain goal.

Tadcaster should have levelled when Elliott Andrew blazed over from inside the area.

But the Countrymen held on to secure a win, taking them to second in the table ahead of the weekend’s big FA Cup challenge against Farsley Celtic.

Joe, Hallam FC Media

Heading pic courtesy of Matt @lucyandamysdad

Click on the image below to see the match highlights