April 2010 Archives

THE last time that Dave Challinor played in a final, he led Tranmere Rovers out at Wembley for the 2000 League Cup encounter with Leicester City.
That was one of the biggest days of his career, and as he prepares to lead out Colwyn Bay (whose last final was also 10 years ago in the North Wales Coast Challenge Cup) for Saturday's Unibond play-off final at Lancaster City, the skipper knows it is just as big a day for the Seagulls as they bid to return to the Premier Division for the first time in seven years.
"It is a massive game for the club," he agrees. "For some of the younger players it will also be the biggest game they have ever been involved in, but hopefully we'll have the same great support that we had in the semi-final on Tuesday and we can do the fans, the club and ourselves proud - and really finish the season on a high.
"The chance of promotion doesn't come that often and it was disappointing to lose in the semi-final last year - and particularly so for me as I missed the game through injury. We've managed to take it it one step further this season and we'll be doing everything we can to take it all the way."
He is very optimistic that the side can do that, even though Lancaster finished 21 points ahead of Colwyn Bay in the final table and only missed out on automatic promotion by four points to Halifax.
"That is absolutely irrelevant on Saturday," says the skipper. "Play-off football is completely different from league football; there are a lot of nerves and it is all about putting yourself in there and waiting for a break.
"It was like that on Tuesday. When we got the break with the penalty it gave us a massive boost in confidence, and we're going into the Lancaster game with no sort of fears.
"Lancaster have obviously done very well this season, but in the two league games against us their three goals have come from two free kicks and a penalty - and at their place three weeks ago we should have put the game to bed with the chances we had. We gained a lot from that."
The Giant Axe pitch that day was very hard and bumpy (something Skelmersdale also complained about after their semi-final defeat there on Tuesday), but although rain this week should have helped, Challinor doesn't believe that the pitch will play that big a part.
"In a play-off, because of the nerves, there is not a lot of football played. It is more 'up and at 'em' and trying to win individual battles and I don't think the pitch will have that much affect," he said.
Dave has a strong personal motivation to win as, at 34, he knows his playing career is nearing an end - even though he has been virtually an ever-present for Colwyn Bay this season.
"The only thing in my mind at the moment is to finish this season, try and achieve the promotion that we set our sights on at the start, and then we'll assess things in the summer," he said. "But I would love to play one more season, especially in the higher division.
"The Division One North is a really tough division to get out off and, if we can beat Lancaster, I think we would do ourselves justice in the division above. Certainly for the younger lads the incentive is that it would be a chance to test themselves in bigger company and be a stepping stone in their football careers."
Young forwards like Lee Davey and Tom McGill will certainly be hoping they can make the same impact on Saturday as they did when they came on in last Tuesday's semi-final, and manager Neil Young looks likely to have the same squad on duty again.
Adriano Rigoglioso (hamstring and groin injuries) is definitely ruled out and Jimmy Kelly (thigh) is again a doubt, but everybody else is ready to go.
Neil Young and players had a good team meeting on Thursday night in which the manager emphasised again just how important the game is to the club.
"You have the chance to have your names talked about at the club for years to come, because they will never forget you if you win promotion," he told them.
The manager pinpoints wide men Paul Jarvis and Roger Sharrock as Lancaster's big danger men, but says: "If we can show the commitment and desire for the whole 90 minutes that we showed in the second half at Curzon Ashton on Tuesday, I have no doubts that we can win."
Colwyn Bay: (from) Sanna, Denson, King, Grannon, Challinor, Sheehan, Sheridan, Rule, Black, Stones, Graves, Davey, McGill, Kelly, Brandreth, Williams, Hopley, Jackson.

NEIL YOUNG climbed out of his sick bed to mastermind a second half fightback which put Colwyn Bay into Saturday's play-off final at Lancaster with a 2-1 win at Curzon Ashton (April 27).
The manager had to visit hospital in the morning suffering from tonsilitis and a raging temperature, but medication helped him make it to the game and it was his double substitution and midfield reshuffle on the hour which turned the game round after Curzon Ashton had led 1-0 at half-time.
Honours were fairly even early on with Glenn Rule having a shot from 25 yards turned round the post by Curzon keeper David Carnell, while Ajay Leitch-Smith twice went close for the home side.
Curzon Ashton started to get on top as the half progressed and took the lead just before half-time.
Anthony Sheehan made a good defensive header over his own bar with Sanna out of position, but from the corner Adam Jones headed the ball back for Michael Norton to volley past Sanna from 12 yards.
Curzon Ashton continued to look the more dangerous side at the start of the second half, with Michael O'Connor and Dean Canning both forcing saves from Sanna, and Chris King put a great defensive header over his own bar to clear another threatening situation, as the Bay struggled to find an outlet up front.
But after the double substitution, with Tom McGill and Lee Davey introduced from the bench, Colwyn Bay started to attack with more purpose and were awarded a penalty on 69 minutes for a hand ball by Phil Edghill as he challenged McGill for a high ball - and Ian Sheridan held his nerve to score from the spot.
Then, with nine minutes to go, Bay scored the winner. Curzon failed to clear the ball from a corner and Chris King's pin-point cross from the left was headed in by Lee Davey from eight yards.
"It was a great cross by Kingy and all I had to do was put in it," Lee said modestly afterwards - actually it was a fine header right into the bottom corner of the net.
Curzon Ashton piled on the pressure in the closing minutes, but Colwyn Bay defended heroically, with the back four again outstanding, to secure the win.
"We decided to change it because we weren't getting the best out of Ian Sheridan up front, " said Neil afterwards. "We decided to put him wide and told Tom (McGill) and Lee (Davey) to run their socks off up front - and fortunately it worked.
"People can credit me with making the change, but it is the players who have to go on the pitch and do it, and I thought the character and commitment of every one of them was outstanding.
"We had a very good session with the players on Monday night and sorted a few things out after Saturday's poor performance.
"Defensively again we were tremendous, with Dave Challinor and Danny Grannon superb in the middle and Luke Denson having probably his best game for the club. But for me the game changed when we mixed it up in midfield, where Curzon were having far too much of the ball. We switched Stuart Graves to get in their faces and put in some big tackles - and from that moment I thought we started to get a bit of momentum going."
The manager also paid tribute to the big following of fans who made some great noise.
"They were outstanding and hopefully they can replicate that at Lancaster (who beat Skelmersdale 2-0 in Tuesday's other semi-final) on Saturday," he said.
"Support like that gives all of us all a big lift.
"But although this was a great win we have to remember we are only half-way there. We will enjoy tonight, but then it is back to work in training on Thursday to prepare to face a Lancaster side that finished 21 points ahead us in the table.
"That will be a big challenge, but what we have proved tonight is that although we may not have have been as consistent this season as the top two sides (Halifax and Lancaster), you can never write us off - not my team last year or this team."
Delighted chairman Geoff Cartwright said: "I am in shock and speechless at the moment. I feared the worst at half-time, but what commitment from the players in the second half!
"It is a great result for the club and for the town - and here's hoping the lads can make it an even greater result on Saturday."
By my reckoning it is the first time Colwyn Bay have been in any sort of a final since they won the North Wales Coast FA Challenge Cup at the end of the 1999-2000 season.
Colwyn Bay: Sanna, Denson, King, Grannon, Challinor, Sheehan (Davey 60mins), Sheridan (Brandreth 90mins), Rule, Black (McGill 60mins), Stones, Graves. Subs not used: Hopley and Williams.
Attendance: 364

COLWYN BAY manager Neil Young has sounded a rallying call ahead of Tuesday's (April 27) play-off semi-final at Curzon Ashton (7.45pm).
The manager is urging everyone connected with the club to cast aside the negativity following last Saturday's disappointing home defeat to Fylde, and to stay upbeat for what has become the club's biggest game of the season.
"Nobody was more disappointed than me on Saturday with the performance and that we lost home advantage, but we are still in a semi-final and with everything to play for," he said.
"We won at Curzon Ashton last year and were very unlucky to only draw there a couple of weeks ago. If we produce the same performance that we showed then, and when we drew at Lancaster a week later, then we have every chance of getting through to the final.
"The players will be giving it their best shot and although I know it is a long way for the fans to travel, I hope they can put Saturday's disappointment behind them and try to get along to give the lads all the support they can.
"If we win and Skelmersdale pull off a win at Lancaster, which is not out of the question, then the final would be at Colwyn Bay next Saturday - and that would be fantastic for everyone."
The squad is getting together tonight (Monday) for a light training session and a full pre-match briefing.
Adriano Rigoglioso looks certain to be ruled out with hamstring and groin injuries, but Jimmy Kelly is expected to recover from a slight thigh strain and Tim Brandreth will be back in the squad again after a week on antibiotics for a tooth abscess.
"Neil Black could possibly be in from the start, and we will be going with the experienced players in the squad who have won leagues and cups in the past and know what it takes to deal with the pressures of a semi-final," added the manager.
Curzon Ashton will have top scorer Michael Norton available again after suspension.
Colwyn Bay: (from) Sanna, Denson, King, Grannon, Challinor, Sheehan, Sheridan, Rule, Black, Stones, Kelly, Graves, Williams, Brandreth, McGill, Davey, Ablett, Jackson.

COLWYN BAY meekly surrendered home advantage in Tuesday's play-off semi-finals with a dismal 2-1 home defeat to Fylde (April 24).
A crowd of nearly 400 watched in almost total silence as a lethargic, careless and uninspired Colwyn Bay performance meant Fylde hardly had to break sweat to earn what must have been three of the easiest points they've taken all season.
As it turned out, the Seagulls only needed a point from the game to secure third place, but couldn't even do that. They must now travel on Tuesday to Curzon Ashton, who won 3-1 at Garforth (Dean Canning getting the third) to snatch third place on goal difference.
Skelmersdale United, who earned a creditable 1-1 draw at Halifax, go to Lancaster in the other semi-final.
Manager Neil Young commented: "The only positive thing is that our away form as been a lot better than our home form and it might benefit us to be the side that are looking to attack on the break on Tuesday."
But he admitted he was dismayed by his side's lacklustre performance in the last home game of the season.
"You can put it down to a hard game on Thursday night possibly taking too much out of some of the players, but too many of them seemed to be here for a Saturday afternoon stroll and their body language was woeful," he said.
"Fylde came with a game plan to frustrate us, pull men behind the ball and challenged us to break them down. They were happy to let us have the ball and pass it around in front of them - and I think our players got it into their heads after the opening 15 minutes or so that it was going to be easy.
"As a result we've become sloppy, given away a soft goal and in the end have only worked their goalkeeper twice in the game.
"We changed the tactics and personnel to play three up front in the second half, but there is only so much the management team can do from the sidelines. If players don't show the heart or desire to give what is required, we can't go on and do it for them.
"For a side supposedly fighting to get out of this division it was shocking. Now the players have to go away, look after themselves, and hopefully go out on Tuesday ready to prove to everybody that we can still do this thing."
The gamble of playing an unfit Adriano Rigoglioso from the start didn't work, but even though Neil Black and Tom McGill were introduced for the second half, Colwyn Bay created very little against Fylde's packed defensive unit.
It did look early on as though it was going to a be a fairly routine task, but for all their possession, a shot from Luke Denson was the only save Fylde keeper Lewis Edge had to make in the first half.
Danny Grannon (twice), Rigoglioso, Denson all missed the target with goal attempts, but as sloppiness crept into their play, the ball was given away far too easily in attacking positions, and the Bay then gifted Fylde the lead with what was their first shot at goal after 24 minutes.
Chris King lost possession to Joe Booth on the right and the Fylde skipper whipped over a cross which Matt Walwyn volleyed past Chris Sanna from close range.
It needed a goalline clearance by Denson to prevent Mark Wane adding a second after the Bay had again given possession away in their own half, and apart from Denson's raiding down the right, the Bay struggled to create anything resembling a clear cut opening in reply.
The changes made at half-time and early in the second half did see Colwyn Bay dominate possession, but Fylde were happy to defend in numbers and apart from a McGill header that hit the bar from Glenn Rule's free kick (a chance he should really have put away), the Fylde goal was never really threatened.
Rule hit a half chance over the bar and Jimmy Kelly shot wide from just inside the area minutes after firing a free kick opportunity high over the bar from 20 yards.
Since the departure of Eddie Jebb and Steve Aspinall, Colwyn Bay don't seem to pose any threat from free kicks around the edge of the box any more. Too often shots don't even beat the defensive wall, or fly harmless high or wide of the target.
As the game moved into injury time the Bay had a penalty shout for handball turned down and Fylde broke quickly from the clearance for substitute Mike Barnes to race clear and fire a killer second goal past Sanna.
Danny Grannon immediately went up front and headed a goal back in the last 30 seconds, but the damage was already done.
Colwyn Bay: Sanna, Denson, King, Grannon, Challinor, Sheehan (Kelly 53mins), Sheridan, Rule, Rigoglioso (McGill 45mins), Stones, Williams (Black 53mins). Subs not used: Graves and Davey.
Attendance: 393
It will certainly need a vastly improved performance from the team on Tuesday if Colwyn Bay are to avoid suffering a third play-off semi-final defeat in four years.
I understand Rigoglioso probably won't play in that game and the club have now also had to abandon their efforts to get international clearance for former Chester City striker Ben Jones.
After four weeks of waiting, FIFA have today (Saturday) come back and said they now want to see copies of Ben's parents' passports.
By the time that has been done and sent off there would be very little chance of clearance being received before the play-offs are done and dusted.
Ben then turns 18 next month and won't need FIFA clearance after that!

NEIL BLACK is set to make a welcome return, after missing seven games with a hamstring problem, as Colwyn Bay bid to secure third place in Saturday's (April 24) final league fixture at home to AFC Fylde (3pm).
Manager Neil Young reports that Blackie is available and is likely to be involved at some stage against Fylde.
Victory will guarantee a home tie in Tuesday's play-off semi-final, although a draw could be enough if Skelmersdale fail to win at newly crowned champions Halifax.
But Adriano Rigoglioso is very doubtful after missing Thursday's 2-1 defeat at Clitheroe with a sore hamstring and groin, while there was still no news from FIFA on former Chester City striker Ben Jones finally getting international clearance to play.
Earlier in the week FIFA requested another document to be sent to them, which was done straight away, but by Friday afternoon they had still not come back with clearance for the 17-year-old, who was signed over FOUR weeks ago.
"How preventing young players from playing football all that time helps their development, heaven knows," commented frustrated boss Neil Young.
"He hasn't had a game now for six weeks, but if clearance does come through in time we would still have to put him ahead of Adriano who is struggling," reported the manager.
Neil also says he also has to keep in mind Tuesday's play-off semi-final.
"We had a tough game at Clitheroe on Thursday night when the players put in a lot of effort and there are some tired legs. Being at home in the semi-final would be a big advantage to us, but we don't want to put all our eggs in one basket against Fylde and run the risk of losing key players for Tuesday," he said.
"We will need to assess how everybody is before finalising the team."
Fourth-placed Skelmersdale made SEVEN changes to their side that drew at Mossley on Thursday night, using a number of fringe players with next Tuesday's semi-finals very much in mind.
Colwyn Bay, of course, don't have the players to be able to do that, but Neil knows he needs to try and protect those players who are feeling knocks.
In any event it will be a nervous afternoon for Colwyn Bay fans who will have one ear on news on how Skelmersdale and Curzon Ashton (away to Garforth) are progressing,
Fylde have lost six of their last 10 games, including a 7-1 roasting away to Clitheroe, but have had good wins in their last two away fixtures at Wakefield and Prescot Cables.
They beat Colwyn Bay 5-2 on their own pitch in November, ending a 15-match unbeaten league run by the Seagulls, and have only failed to score in three of their last 23 league fixtures.
"They certainly won't be easy to beat," warned Neil Young.
Colwyn Bay: (from) Sanna, Denson, King, Grannon, Challinor, Sheehan, Sheridan, Kelly, Rule, Stones, Graves, Davey, McGill, Williams, Brandreth, Jackson, Rigoglioso.

COLWYN BAY'S six match unbeaten run came to an end with a 2-1 defeat at Clitheroe on Thursday night (April 22) with their attacking options further reduced when Adrian Rigoglioso was ruled out of the game by injury.
But with rivals Skelmersdale United and Curzon Ashton both drawing, the Seagulls can still clinch a third place finish (and a home tie in next Tuesday's play-off semi-finals) with victory in their final league game at home to Fylde on Saturday.
Rigoglioso, however, is also looking very doubtful for that game with pain in his hamstring and groin and tells me at the moment he could even be struggling for Tuesday's semi-final.
With the club having still not had international clearance for Ben Jones, manager Neil Young admits the lack of attacking options is a big concern ahead of the play-offs. It was highlighted by Thursday's defeat with the side unable to score despite strong second half pressure, and missing two or three good chances which should have given them at least a draw.
Neil is hopeful, however, that Neil Black may be fit enough to be involved at some stage on Saturday.
Bay's current lack of forwards even meant long-term injury victim Rob Hopley (who has been given the go ahead by the specialist to start stepping things up) named among the substitutes on Thursday - although he would only have been used in the event of more injuries up front.
Colwyn Bay struggled against Clitheroe's speedy wingers Zach Clarke and Danny Williams early on and went a goal down on 19 minutes when Alan Coar scored with an overhead kick, as the ball was played into the middle from a throw in on the left, and the ball sneaked just inside the diving Sanna's right hand post.
The Seagulls then equalised on 27 minutes with a diving header by Chris King from a Glenn Rule corner, but it took Clitheroe just two minutes to regain the lead.
Rule was felled by a blow to the face as the ball was played into the Bay penalty area, but the referee let play go on with Rule lying injured and Kenny Mayers eventually forced the ball in with a header from six yards in a goalmouth scramble.
"The guy slapped me in the face, but when I protested to the referee he said I'd run into him," said Glenn afterwards.
Anthony Sheehan then missed a gilt-edged chance to equalise before half-time when he shot over the bar from 12 yards after being set up perfectly by the hard-working Ian Sheridan - althjough it needed a goalline clearance from Luke Denson, with Sanna beaten, to prevent Clitheroe adding a third.
Colwyn Bay worked hard to try and get back on terms in the second half but struggled to test the keeper.
Greg Stones came closest when his shot hit the bar after Stuart Graves had headed the ball down to him, and Ian Sheridan shot wide of the far post when he was played in by substitute Lee Davey for another good chance.
Danny Grannon sent a header looping over the bar from a long throw by Dave Challinor and put another header straight at the keeper from a corner, while Stones volleyed a 25-yard effort high over the bar. Although Colwyn Bay piled on the pressure in the closing stages they couldn't force a goal against some determined Clitheroe defending.
Now the pressure is on to get a result against Fylde on Saturday to secure a home semi-final on Tuesday - although a point would be enough if Skelmersdale fail to win at Halifax.
Colwyn Bay: Sanna, Denson, King, Grannon, Challinor, Sheehan (Davey 76mins), Sheridan, Kelly, Rule, Stones, Graves. Subs not used: McGill, Williams, Hopley, Jackson.

COLWYN BAY hope to clinch third place, and a home tie in next Tuesday's play-off semi-final, with victory in their rearranged fixture at Clitheroe on Thursday (April 22).
The Seagulls go into the match currently needing four points from their last two games to guarantee third place - although they could sew it up on Thursday if Curzon Ashton (away to Lancaster) and Skelmersdale (away to Mossley) both fail to win.
"Ideally we would like to put it to bed at Clitheroe, but obviously that will depend on results elsewhere," commented manager Neil young.
"Clitheroe is also a difficult place to go and they got a good result at Halifax on Tuesday (2-2), but hopefully that will have taken a bit out of them."
Clitheroe have won only two of their last 10 games, but they took a shock 2-0 lead at The Shay on Tuesday before Halifax came back with two late goals to retain their unbeaten home record and be crowned champions with a 2-2 draw. Even so, Clitheroe became only the second side to take a point away from The Shay this season.
"If we have to go to Saturday's final league game (home to Fylde) still needing a win then so be it," added Young. "In any event I think it has been a great achievement by the players to get us in the position we are in. We have already exceeded last season's points total (73), despite being without our leading goal scorer (Rob Hopley) for most of the season, and feel that we are going into next week's play-offs with every chance of promotion."
Colwyn Bay have fitness doubts over Adriano Rigoglioso (hamstring) and Stuart Graves (back) for Thursday's game and are again likely to be without injured forwards Neil Black and Tom McGill (although they could be back in contention for Saturday). The club, however, are hopeful that they will finally get international clearance through from FIFA for former Chester City striker Ben Jones to be involved for the first time.
Colwyn Bay: (from) Sanna, Denson, King, Grannon, Challinor, Sheehan, Sheridan, Rule, Rogoglioso, Stones, Graves, Kelly, Brandreth, Davey, Williams, Jones, Ablett, Jackson.

SHOULD Colwyn Bay have to make a return trip to Lancaster City in two weeks time for the play-off final, they will go there in optimistic mood after today's (April 17) 1-1 draw at Giant Axe - because it was a game they could and should have won.
Only five excellent saves by home keeper Martin Fearon, and missed opportunities, prevented a Seagulls win after taking the lead just before half-time - although once again they will feel they didn't get the rub of the green with the refereeing decisions in the second half.
Lancaster's equaliser came from a disputed free kick just outside the area after referee Peter Gooch had ignored fouls on Glenn Rule and then Greg Stones as they tried to clear the ball (Stones getting booked for his protest), and then later the official waved away a strong penalty appeal for what looked to be a clear trip on Ian Sheridan inside the box.
Manager Neil Young certainly felt it was a blatant penalty and he was again left bemoaning "some very odd refereeing decisions".
Having said that, Lancaster were unhappy with the award of the free kick which led to Bay's goal and also thought they should have had a penalty in the first half.
In any event, Neil agreed his side had created more than enough chances to have won the game and he remains confident about his side's chances in the play-offs.
"I believe we are playing as well as, if not better, than any of the other contenders and we can go into the play-offs not fearing anybody," he said.
"We are better equipped and in better form for the play-offs than last year. The only questions are can we keep our form going? And can we put away our chances when they come?
"We've created good chances to beat both Curzon Ashton and Lancaster over the past week or so and not taken them - and we can't afford to be that wasteful in the play-offs."
Once again Chris Sanna has not really been tested apart from the free kick equaliser, while his opposite number has been by far the busier and, in fact, has kept his side in the game (Lancaster made Fearon their man of the match which tells it all).
The Seagulls were the better team in the first half with Fearon turning shots from Adriano Rigoglioso and Glenn Rule over the bar, while Sheridan hit the bar with a header and Chris King's free kick across the goal was just a fraction too high for Sheridan to get his head on it at the far post.
The Bay forced four corners to just one by Lancaster in that first half and they took the lead on 41 minutes when Glenn Rule's free kick into the goalmouth skimmed off the head of defender Chris Ward high into his own net as he jumped to challenge Danny Grannon.
The keeper saved headers from Dave Challinor and Stuart Graves and Rule shot wide after a great run by Sheridan, while Lancaster's only threat was a goalbound volley by Andy Teague which Grannon did well to block with his body.
Grannon and Dave Challinor were again excellent in the centre of defence - so good, in fact, that Lancaster finally pulled off star striker Jordan Connorton because he was having no joy against them.
Ian Sheridan had two one-on-one opportunities to kill the game off early in the second half as his pace twice took him clear of the home defence. But Fearon got down well to fingertip the first shot round the post for a corner and then Sheridan fired the second chance against the keeper's body as he spread himself to narrow the angle.
"I should have scored, but the pitch was very bobbly and when you were running with the ball at the your feet it was bobbling around and it was difficult to get a clean strike," explained Sheridan afterwards.
The Bay paid for those missed opportunities when Lancaster got their equaliser on 70 minutes with Paul Jarvis' well struck free kick from 20 yards into the bottom corner of Chris Sanna's net.
Jarvis was only inches wide with another free kick shortly afterwards as Lancaster had a strong 10 to 15 minutes after making a triple substitution.
But Colwyn Bay regrouped and finished the game strongly.
Fearon made a tremenous reflex save at point blank range from Glenn Rule's header, when the Bay midfielder probably should have scored from four yards out, then Ryan Williams struck another good chance over the bar when set up by Sheridan and the industrious Anthony Sheehan, and Sheehan miscued his cross into the sidenetting after a good run by Jimmy Kelly had opened up another opportunity.
Those chances surrounded the big shout for a penalty when Sheridan was tripped from behind as he was about to pull the ball back to Greg Stones after cutting in along the by-line, but the referee waved it away.
In the end Colwyn Bay were disappointed only to get a point against the side already certain of second place, but although Curzon Ashton and Skelmersdale both chalked up emphatic wins, a point means the Seagulls still have third place in their own hands with two games to go.
"These are exciting times because we feel we are going into the play-offs in good form," added Ian Sheridan afterwards.
Colwyn Bay: Sanna, Denson, King, Grannon, Challinor, Sheehan, Sheridan, Rule, Rigogliso (Kelly 81mins), Stones, Graves (Williams 61mins). Subs not used: Brandreth, Dave and Jackson.
Attendance: 238.
Halifax officially need one more point to be crowned champions after they won at Ossett today - but with such a superior goal difference they can already consider the title as won following Bay's draw at Lancaster.

COLWYN BAY manager Neil Young has expressed his frustration as he prepares for Saturday's top-three clash at Lancaster City still unable to use former Chester City striker Ben Jones.
It is now over three weeks since the 17-year-old signed for the Seagulls - and yet international clearance has still not come through from FIFA.
Under new rules, FIFA have to clear the transfer between countries (in this case England and Wales) of players aged 17 and under.
"To say I am frustrated with the situation would be an understatement," admitted the manager. "He would be able to play for any other team in our league, but because we are based in Wales, and he was originally signed for Chester City in England (less than 40 miles away!!), we have to go through this process which seems to be taking forever. It not only hinders our own selection issues, but Ben has been unable now to play competitive football for almost a month.
"We really need to give the lad a couple of games before the play-offs which are less than two weeks away, particularly as we are short of numbers up front (Neil Black, Alex Titchiner and Rob Hopley are all out injured).
"The Easter holiday has obviously delayed things and our secretary and the FA of Wales have been chasing it daily, but so far without much luck."
Adriano Rigoglioso has also been under treatment for a tight hamstring this week following Tuesday's win against Mossley, and the manager is in two minds about his line-up against a Lancaster side already assured of second place.
"We want to make sure we give it our best shot at finishing third, but we also have to be mindful of keeping players who have had a lot of games lately fit for the play-offs - and this is also the last day when anyone getting a red card would miss the play-offs through suspension," added the manager.
"Lancaster (now seven points behind leaders Halifax and after two successive defeats) are in pretty much the same boat and are already sure of second place, so we will leave a final decision on our team until the last moment."
Goalkeeper Chris Sanna, who missed the midweek game after being involved in a car crash, is fit to return, but Farai Jackson is on stand by to continue in goal if the manager decides he wants to protect Sanna from any possible red card and suspension.
Colwyn Bay (from) Sanna or Jackson, Denson, King, Grannon, Challinor, Sheehan, Sheridan, Rule, Rigoglioso, Stones, Graves, Kelly, Brandreth, Williams, Davey, McGill.

COLWYN BAY came from behind to secure their place in the play-offs with a 3-1 victory over in-form Mossley on Tuesday (April 13).
And with Skelmersdale United losing at home to Wakefield, the Seagulls have also taken a big step towards securing a third place finish.
Manager Neil Young described his side's performance as "one of the best of the season" and said that with the play-offs secure, the next target is now that third place finish.
"We want to be playing the semi-final at home, so that is what we are aiming at now - and confidence is high after the way we have played in recent games, with a lot of our big players starting to come to the fore. After weathering an early storm from a very good Mossley side, I thought this was one of our best performances of the season and every one of the players has played their part in achieving it."
The Seagulls are now unbeaten in their last five games, with tough away games at Lancaster (who lost at Trafford tonight) and Clitheroe and a home fixture against Fylde to come before the play-off semi-finals on April 27.
Mossley showed why they have been on such a good run lately by dominating the opening stages on Tuesday, and although Adriano Rigoglioso (shot) and Danny Grannon (diving header) both went close for Colwyn Bay, the visitors took the lead on 32 minutes with a penalty.
Stuart Graves brought down Lee Blackshaw with a mis-timed tackle that he didn't need to make as the winger was being forced wide, and Mike Fish scored from the spot.
Graves quickly made amends, however, as six minutes later his hanging cross into the goalmouth was knocked into his own net by Mossley keeper Peter Collinge under the challenge of Anthony Sheehan.
Sheehan was initially credited with the goal, although he admitted later the ball hadn't touched him.
Mossley argued heatedly for a foul on the keeper, but the goal stood (a little bit of luck actually going Bay's way after last Saturday's controversial refereeing decisions at Curzon Ashton) and the Seagulls finished the half strongly with Chris King inches wide with a shot from 25 yards that had the keeper beaten.
Colwyn Bay continued to attack with purpose at the start of the second half and won the game with two fine goals in the space of 10 minutes.
From a free kick into the area on 56 minutes, Rigoglioso brought the ball down with one foot and volleyed a great angled shot into the far corner of the net with the other for a superb finish.
Then on 66 minutes the Mossley defence were fooled by Rigoglioso's dummy from an Ian Sheridan cross and Sheehan ran in behind him to score emphatically from 12 yards.
Mossley worked hard to try and get back in the game, forcing a number of corners, but Colwyn Bay came closest to adding to the score when substitute Jimmy Kelly rattled a post with a screamer from 25 yards.
Sheridan also shot wide from a good chance when he outpaced the Mossley defence in a swift Bay breakaway, and with Greg Stones pulling the strings in midfield (Neil Young rated this as Greg's best performance since joining the club), the Bay were deserved and excellent winners in the end.
Dave Challinor (man of the match winner) and Grannon were again immaculate at the back, Chris King came on strong after a dodgy start, and Glenn Rule again showed his battling qualities in midfield along with Sheehan in a strong team performance.
Farai Jackson got a rare start in goal with Chris Sanna having suffered slight whiplash after being involved in a car accident earlier in the day, and Jacko did well, making some good catches from cross balls and pulling off a good save from raiding full-back Matt Russell in the second half.
" We had been pondering whether to play Jacko anyway tonight in order to protect Chris from the risk of a red card and missing the play-offs through suspension," revealed Neil Young. "Chris's car crash made our minds up for us and Jacko did well.
"But he is a big part of the squad and gets on well with all the players so he has no nerves about playing - even though he hasn't had a game since November."
The manager added Farai could possibly play again at Lancaster on Saturday to ensure Sanna is OK for the play-offs.
"A lot depends on the results of teams playing on Thursday, but if results go our way then we may rest one of two players to protect them from possible suspension or injury for the play-offs," he hinted.
Fifth-placed Curzon play at Mossley on Thursday and are currently nine points behind the Bay with five games to play, while fourth-placed Skelmersdale are eight behind with four to play.
Adriano Rigoglioso, who played a big part in Tuesday's win, had to come off with a tight hamstring in the second half and one or two others are nursing knocks.
Colwyn Bay: Jackson, Denson, King, Grannon, Challinor, Sheehan, Sheridan (Davey 86mins), Rule (Williams 89mins), Rigoglioso (Kelly 72mins), Stones, Graves. Subs not used: Brandreth and Sanna.
Attendance: 245.