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Photo Credit: Nick Iwanyshyn
Forge 1-0 HFX Wanderers: Wright Hammers Home Winner
By For the third time in 2026, Forge and HFX Wanderers squared off. And, for the third time in as many games, the Hamiltonians came out on top.
An early second half goal decided this match, as Forge beat Halifax 1-0 at home on Wednesday night.
The Hammers entered the game off the back of a 4-1 victory over Inter Toronto three days prior in the 905 Derby. Despite the quick turnaround, there were only two changes to the starting lineup. Notably, Aghilas Sadek was part of his team’s starting eleven for the first time.
For Halifax, they come in from the West Coast as they were beaten 2-0 at Cavalry on Saturday. With six losses in their last eight – including their most recent two – coach Vanni Sartini opted for three changes to his side.
The opening ten minutes saw the home side carry play. They had a half chance from a free kick, which Marko Jevremovic took. The full-back, who scored on Sunday from a set piece, went for goal again. This time, Marco Carducci was behind it, and kept the ball out.
The Wanderers did not have many efforts on target throughout the match, but they did create something in the 18th minute. Lorenzo Callegari played in Muguel Arilla, who did well to evade a challenge before creating space for a shot. However, it was a weak attempt, with Dmitry Bertaud able to go down and make the stop.
With less than 10 minutes from the break, Ben Paton mustered a shot from distance. Getting past his man, the Forge number six had a go. His powerful strike flew just over the bar and out.
The last play of the opening half was a free kick. Tristan Borges stepped up, as he had scored from a similar situation when the clubs last met. He was not as luck this time, with his attempt going straight at Carducci. Jevremovic’s follow-up effort was also easily stopped.
While they did not have too many shots on target in this game, Halifax was first to test a goalkeeper in the second half. Isaiah Johnston slipped in and was able to have a go. He had no power on his shot, due to him falling while in the process of shooting, making it an easy save for Bertaud.
A few minutes before the hour mark, Forge struck. It was reminiscent to their fourth goal in the Canadian Championship meeting. Hoce Massunda let fly from outside of the box. Carducci got down to make the save, only to push it into Brian Wright’s path. The striker needed no invitation to fire home from close range to give his team the lead.
Midway through the half, Forge had a huge chance at a second. From a corner, the ball flew through the air and reached the back post over basically everyone else. Dan Nimick was there, and stuck out a foot to direct it home. This time, the former Wanderer could only put it high and wide.
Time was ticking away for Halifax to try and salvage a point. Jason Bahamboula whipped in a very good cross that found Johnston. Having made a solid run in the box to get open, the captain’s attempt was disappointing, failing to really get proper contact. Just like the other shots on target, Bertaud was able to easily make the save.
The last chance of the match came in the 92nd minute as the Haligonians won a free kick. Up stepped Callegari, who has already scored from a dead-ball situation this term. He was not far away from repeating his magic. Unfortunately for him and his teammates, the free kick cannoned off the bar and out.
Holding on for victory, Forge keeps top spot in the Canadian Premier League standings. They are still two points in front of Cavalry, who won their match as well that evening. Next for the Hammers is a home match on Canada Day, taking on Vancouver FC.
As for HFX, they sit in sixth spot with nine points from 10 games. Their next game will be at home on the last Friday of the month, as Pacific makes the cross-country trip to Wanderers Grounds.
