A Janni Lipka brace took Hallam just five points off Silsden, who have only won once since the start of February.

16 minutes in and Hallam took the lead through Lipka’s first goal for the club. Rio Allan picked the ball up on the right, patiently waiting for an opportunity before finding Lipka unmarked close-by in the box, bringing the ball onto his left and firing into the top left corner to begin Hallam’s splendid goalscoring afternoon.

A couple of good chances for Hallam came after, as well as a good close-range save from Hugo Warhurst to prevent an equaliser before Hallam eventually doubled their lead. Midfielder James Cadman brilliantly turned in the middle and played it up to Allan. A defensive mix-up created a one-on-one opportunity for the in-form winger, who calmly slotted the ball away for his 26^th goal of the season.

It wasn’t long until Hallam claimed their third of the afternoon, Danny South getting on the scoresheet this time. A deep free kick made its way to South in the box, who tried to win the ball in the air, instead seeing it fall to his left foot and coolly placing it into the bottom left corner, just out of reach of Edward Hall in between the sticks.

Hallam’s next came quickly after the last once again, with these three goals coming in just 12 minutes. A cleared corner found its way back out to the taker, Lipka, who found defender Jamie Sharman in the middle. The ball found its way back to Janni in the box, whose near-post strike went through the keeper’s hands for his second of the game, giving Hallam a big advantage going into half-time.

The first goal in the second half was always going to be crucial, and Hallam didn’t take long in ensuring it was theirs, scoring once again from a deep free kick going in the box. Sharman collected the ball from Jack Brownell’s long pass; his shot was saved by Edward Hall but parried straight to Leon Howarth who tucked in from close range. 50 minutes in, 5-0 Hallam.

Silsden did get one back, however. A free kick by striker Kayle Price was blocked by the wall but came out to Jake Maltby on the edge who curled into the bottom right corner, going through Hugo Warhurst in goal.

This goal wasn’t enough to begin a comeback, with there being little-to-no-action for the final 30 minutes of the half. Hallam had a couple of chances near the end to extend their lead, but were unsuccessful.

This big win gives the Countrymen a 21-goal advantage over Silsden, who have struggled to collect points as of late, giving Hallam a glimmer of hope for silverware at the end of the season.

Hallam’s next opponents are Knaresborough Town, who currently sit 11^th.

Match Report Lucas Daft

Photographs – Peter Willis & Ian Manewell

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