HPL Champions Beat Town On Opening Day Of New Season

Beverley Town travelled to Hull to take on defending champions Chalk lane in a game between two sides that should be pushing for honours this season.

The first 20 minutes were competitive, with both sides looking to get a foothold in the game early on. Town created a couple of good chances after good work down the right by Joe Norton.

Chalk went close when Scott Phillips shot over from 18 yards out, but on the whole Towns defence weren’t troubled by Chalk.

However as the half went on Chalk took control of the midfield area, and Towns passing became sloppy and laboured. Town struggled to keep the ball and were on the back foot, struggling to create any meaningful chances.

On 30 minutes Chalk took the lead through a mix up in Towns defence . A poor clearance by Towns keeper was intercepted by Striker Phillips who calmly slotted the ball into the top corner to give Chalk a deserved lead.

Town came out with more purpose second half, with an intent to get the ball wide and in behind the Chalk defence. This worked well as Town took control of the game, and pushed hard for an equaliser.

Craig Muirhead went agonisingly close with a glancing header from a Dawson corner, Stark had two half chances after running in behind the Chalk defence, and skipper Nathan White went close with a header that Barford tipped round the post.

Towns keeper was a spectator with nothing to do, as Town tried desperately to get back into the game.

Young player of the year Aldo Hysenaj came on up front for Town on 65 minutes, and the young Albania had a fantastic impact on the game, causing problems from the off, and had a great chance to score on 78 minutes. A deep cross by Leon Dawaon was met by Hysenaj at the back post, who decided to square the ball rather than shoot from the right angle, and the opportunity passed by.

Town finished the game with two corners and a free kick, however Chalk held firm to take the honours and win 1-0.

Manager Rioch Jagger said;

“I thought we were unlucky not to come away with a draw today. Chalk were better than us first half, that said their goal only came from our mistake. Second half we were dominant and spent most of it camped in their half. Fair play to Chalk they defended really well, and showed a real champions mentality in seeing the game out. There are a lot of positives to take from that game, and we move on to another tough game against local rivals Walkington.”