Craig Denton’s side suffered a 4-1 loss this afternoon, their first loss in Crosspool since 30th November 2024.

There were two Sandygate debutants in the starting line-up, with Jay Glover and Ollie Russon involved from the start; with the latter making his first appearance for the Countrymen.

But after 17 minutes, Hallam went a goal down, with Nathan Curtis getting on the end of a cross to head towards the far post and take the away side into the lead.

And four minutes later, their advantage was doubled. The windy conditions were tricky for both sides this game, and were shown when a ball over the top caused problems for an outrushing Hugo Warhurst, who slipped, giving Romario Dunne an open goal to tap into.

But going into added time of the first half, the visitors’ lead was halved. A corner from Russon was met at the front post by Jamie Sharman, who was able to float the ball to the back post, where Janni Lipka was waiting to head home!

Ten minutes after the restart, though, Brighouse regained their two-goal advantage; Jason Davis’ deflected effort on the edge of the box beating Warhurst into the bottom left corner.

And the away side grabbed their fourth – Jordan Barrett scoring off the inside of the post following a great counter attack.

This loss leaves the Countrymen in 16th, but have cup action midweek, facing Stocksbridge Park Steels on Tuesday!

Attendance – 549