Valour FC welcomed HFX Wanderers to IG Field on Tuesday night and hold on to three vital points after a convincing 3-0 win.

Majority of the opening first half saw the hosts maintain control of the match as they dominated possession and launched bodies forward. Yet, against a flurry of chances, the visitors managed to stifle any threats from Valour.

The first real chance of the match, however, came against the run of play when Morey Doner’s thumping shot clattered the woodwork. If his strike was just an inch over, it arguably would have beaten goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois. Valour would then have a chance of their own but Sean Rea’s strike from point-blank range didn’t trouble Kieran Baskett in net.

Both sides continued to lunge forward in search of the opener but relentless pressure from the hosts eventually cracked the Wanderers’ and two mistakes led to two goals.

A steal in the middle of the park saw link-up play between four Valour players end with William Akio’s strike crossing over the line. Minutes later, a mistake from Peter Schaale allowed Rafael Galhardo to chip Baskett who was left in no-mans-land for 2-0.

Coming out after the break, HFX Wanderers head coach Stephen Hart made some substitutions hoping to spark something on the pitch. And while the visitors managed to see more time on the ball, they couldn’t create any worthwhile attempts. Leading scorer João Morelli’s absence continues to be a gaping hole.

Valour continued to threaten at the other end of the pitch finding the right passing lines to break down the visitors. Chances from Galhardo, Akio and Moses Dyer fell just short until Rea’s shot from distance hit off the inside of the post and in for 3-0.

The visitors continued to lack any presence in the midfield and struggled to connect in the attacking third. To make matters worse for the Wanderers, substitute Stefan Karajovanovic was forced off with an injury after just 30 minutes of play.

Jérémy Gagnon-Laparé had a chance to pull one back for the visitors but his shot hit off the woodwork. The ball then fell to Andre Rampersad who skied his attempt over the bar despite being only a few yards out. The series summed up what was a frustrating night for the Wanderers.

With the result, Valour remains sixth in the table but close the gap in their race for the top four. Coach Phillip dos Santos’ side now have 31 points while fourth-place HFX Wanderers have 34.

BOX SCORE

Goals

38′ — William Akio (Valour FC)
45′ — Rafael Galhardo (Valour FC)
66′ — Sean Rea (Valour FC)

Discipline

49′ — Yellow: Brett Levis (Valour FC)