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Photo Credit: Jojo Yanjiao Qian
Forge 2-0 HFX Wanderers: Hammers Take League Lead
By Forge continued its impressive home record in the Canadian Premier League with a 2-0 win over the Halifax Wanderers last night, with the Hammers now top the table after 18 matches.
The Hamiltonians picked up three points in their earlier weekend match too, a 3-0 success over Atletico Ottawa at Tim Hortons Field. Despite the result, coach Bobby Smyrniotis made three changes to his starting eleven to freshen up his side.
For Halifax, their most recent CPL match also came on Saturday. Unfortunately for them, they fell 3-2 away to last season’s regular season winners Cavalry. Gaffer Patrice Gheisar opted to make six changes to his starting lineup as the East Coast team is in need of points to remain in the playoff hunt.
The opening exchanges of the contest saw both teams have some possession, but the opportunities would not come right away. Forge’s Jordan Hamilton had the first major opportunity in the 20th minute. A well-worked play saw Tristan Borges find Nana Ampomah, who in turn passed to Hamilton. However, the striker’s shot was denied by Aiden Rushenas.
Minutes later, Hamilton had another glorious chance. This time, it is captain Kyle Bekker who plays in the Forge number nine. Hamilton’s shot hit the post, while Bekker also failed to direct his follow-up attempt on target.
Halifax got their best chance of the half in the 32nd minute. After Zachary Fernandez did well to Daniel Parra, the Wanderers full back tried to find Massimo Ferrin in the box. It took a Malcolm Duncan clearance to deny Ferrin what would have been a tap-in.
The game ultimately changed in the 33rd minute. After Jeremy Gagnon-Lapare received a yellow card for a foul on Parra, the midfielder made a rude comment to the referee, resulting in a straight red given to him. That left Halifax down a man, and with a mountain to climb.
In first half stoppage time, things went from bad to work for Halifax as Forge took the lead. A cross in from David Choiniere was initially cleared, but the ball fell to Alessandro Hojabrpour, who volleyed it home from the D. While there was a hint of offside from Parra, the referee allowed the goal to stand.
Seven minutes into the second period, Ampomah nearly doubled the home side’s advantage. Cutting in on his favoured right foot, Ampomah’s low effort forced a good save out of Rushenas.
Just after the hour, the Hammers found their second goal. Bekker crossed the ball in and found Hamilton, who directed his shot on goal. Despite Rushenas diving into his goal to keep the ball out, the referee adjudged it to have crossed the line.
The Wanderers’ only attempt in the second half came off a free kick with a quarter of an hour to play. Dan Nimick headed the ball over to substitute Ryan Telfer, who could not keep his header down.
The last chance of the game came Forge’s away, as Borges took a shot in injury time that was thwarted by Rushenas. The goalkeeper, making his debut for the club, had an impressive 90 minutes, keeping the Wanderers in the contest for as long as he could.
Forge now jumps ahead of Atletico Ottawa and York United in the CPL standings, leading the latter on head-to-head. The Hammers’ next game is a trip out west to face Vancouver FC on Sunday.
For the Wanderers, who remain bottom after the defeat, they have yet another away match on the weekend. They will battle the side above them in the rankings, Valour. It will be a huge chance for the club to try and climb off bottom spot.
Header Image Photo Credit: Jojo Yanjiao Qian
