The Shaymen extended their unbeaten run at home in the league by defeating Wealdstone FC 1-0, propelling them to 7th place.
Only five points separated the two teams entering the match, with Halifax in 8th in the Vanarama National League and Wealdstone in 12th.
In the third minute, Halifax created the first significant chance of the game when a clipped ball from Kane Thompson-Sommers found Max Cosgrave. Cosgrave delivered a low cross to Millenic Alli, but it was intercepted by a Wealdstone defender.
In the first 15 minutes, The Shaymen continued to create more chances, controlling possession in the attacking third. The crowd called for a penalty after Jack Cook’s sliding challenge on attacker Alli.
Wealdstone’s goalkeeper, Marcus Dewhurst, signed from Sheffield United the day before the game, as The Stones faced a goalkeeping crisis. The 22-year-old showed signs of nerves, allowing the ball to roll under his foot for a corner in the 24th minute.
In the 28th minute, Millenic Alli came inches away from putting Town ahead as Adam Senior crossed it in early, forcing Dewhurst into making a great save. However, the first half ended goalless with neither side creating many threatening chances.
Thompson-Sommers was booked as soon as the match restarted, picking up a yellow card for remarking something to the referee after Florent Hoti committed a foul.
In the 54th minute, Wealdstone’s left midfielder, Tarryn Allarakha, came extremely close to putting his side ahead, driving at Tylor Golden and striking it across goal just wide of the post.
Town took the lead in the 66th minute through Millenic Alli’s 5th goal of the season. Jordan Keane’s exceptional lunging challenge in his own box propelled The Shaymen forward. Hoti ran at the defense, releasing Alli to his right, who rifled it across goal into the top corner.
The first substitution of the game came in the 70th minute, with Jack Hunter replaced by Luke Summerfield. Five minutes later, Town made their second substitution as Rob Harker returned from injury for his 50th appearance, coming on for Hoti.
Wealdstone also made two substitutions, bringing on Corie Andrews and Abdul Abdulmalik for Sean Adarkwa and Tahvon Cambell. They made their third and final change minutes later, bringing on Nathan Ferguson for midfielder Ashley Charles.
Halifax successfully managed five minutes of added time at the end of the 90, defending their lead and securing their 8th win in the league campaign.
The Shaymen face a quick turnaround for their next game at home against AFC Fylde. The team will be confident going into the game, thanks to their superb home form, as they aim to strengthen their push for the playoffs.
