FC Halifax Town claim late friendly win over Chesterfield

FC Halifax Town lifted themselves to a deserved pre-season friendly victory over Chesterfield on Wednesday evening, with substitute Hmami’s 90th-minute strike sealing a 1-0 triumph at The Shay. The result, secured in stoppage time, gave Town their first win of the pre-season calendar and underlined their competitive edge ahead of the new campaign.

What happened in the final minutes?

The deadlock looked set to hold until the 90th minute, when Hmami latched onto a loose ball inside the box and fired past Chesterfield goalkeeper Ross Etheridge. The goal arrived as Halifax pushed hard for a winner, with manager Chris Millington’s side dominating possession and creating chances throughout. Etheridge pulled off a string of late saves to keep Chesterfield in the game, but Hmami’s finish settled the contest.

Town, who sit 8th in the National League with 70 points from 46 games, will take confidence from the narrow victory. Their recent form reads WWLLD after two wins in their last five, and the late winner suggests they can grind out results when needed. The win follows their last competitive outing—a 1-0 victory over Woking on 25 April 2026—keeping the momentum rolling into the new season.

Why it matters for FC Halifax Town

A pre-season friendly may not carry league points, but the psychology of snatching a last-gasp winner matters. For a side chasing a top-half finish, the ability to grind out tight games could be the difference between a playoff push and mid-table consolidation. Hmami’s cameo underlined the squad’s depth, with the substitute stepping up to deliver when it counted.

The win also gives Millington a clear message to his players: this group can compete and nick results late on. With 69 goals scored and 66 conceded this season, Town’s attack remains potent, but their defensive record shows they’re still vulnerable under pressure. The friendly provided a chance to tighten up at the back before the league curtain rises again.

What comes next for Halifax?

Millington’s side now turns its focus to final pre-season preparations, with friendlies against local rivals likely to follow. The win over Chesterfield—who sit mid-table in League Two—sends a signal to the rest of the National League that Halifax mean business. Their 38-point gap to league leaders York shows the scale of the task ahead, but every point counts in a tight division.

Town’s next competitive fixture remains unconfirmed, but the squad will be keen to carry this late surge into their league opener. With recent form on their side and a proven knack for late drama, Millington’s men could be primed for a strong start to the season.

League standing: 8th in National League, 70 pts, 20W-10D-16L from 46 games, recent form WLDDW.