Ridgeons League Division One Halstead 0 Godmanchester Rovers 1 A SOLITARY strike from Jon Brierley was enough to end Rovers poor run of form with a much-needed victory. Despite having most of the game Halstead were beaten by the only goal of the match wh

Ridgeons League Division One

Halstead 0 Godmanchester Rovers 1

A SOLITARY strike from Jon Brierley was enough to end Rovers' poor run of form with a much-needed victory.

Despite having most of the game Halstead were beaten by the only goal of the match when Brierley curled home a 14th-minute free-kick.

It was the visitors' first victory against Halstead, who registered a blank for the first time in 16 games.

Godmanchester withstood heavy pressure for long periods of the game and rode their luck several times as Halstead dominated after the break, hitting the woodwork, having a penalty appeal waved away and losing Chris Bryan to a red card.

With their first visit to the Halstead penalty area the visitors went in front from Brierley's free-kick. With home goalkeeper Paul Wood appearing to be unsighted by the defensive wall, the ball found its way into the net.

Godmanchester posed little threat for long periods and only gained one corner during the first period while Halstead created several good openings.

Thanks to the alertness of stopper Gavin Armitage and excellent defensive work, the visitors held their lead to the break.

Halstead resumed the second half with continued pressure but with nothing to show for it frustration began to show in Halstead's game and an almighty scramble of players in midfield ended with referee Ward calling the captains together to calm down their teams.

Other chances came and were wasted by the Halstead forwards as Hurst's' men defended resolutely to clinch the win.