FC Halifax Town secured a hard-fought 2-2 draw at Southend United on Saturday 24 October, extending their unbeaten run in the National League to five matches. T. Trusty scored a dramatic 90th-minute equaliser to rescue a point after a late own goal had threatened to hand Southend victory. This result leaves the team 10th in the National League, having taken 20 points from 13 games with a record of six wins, two draws and five losses.
Southend took the lead from the penalty spot in the 23rd minute through P. Omochere. FC Halifax Town responded well and were level nine minutes later when A. Morgan-Smith found the net, assisted by R. Conte. The game appeared to be heading for a draw until the 84th minute, when an unfortunate own goal by a Halifax player put the hosts back in front. But the Shaymen showed resilience, with Trusty firing home in the final minute of normal time, set up by C. Carty, to secure a share of the spoils.
Halifax's unbeaten streak continues
The result means Halifax have now gone five games without defeat, a run that includes four wins and a draw. This strong form has lifted them to 10th place in the National League standings, with 20 points from their opening 13 matches. Their recent form of four wins and a draw is part of a sequence that includes victories over South Shields, Stoke City U21, Gateshead and Solihull Moors, as well as a draw with Boston United. The team has scored 22 goals this season while conceding 15, giving them a goal difference of plus seven, but they remain 15 points behind the league leaders Boreham Wood.
Managerial changes were a feature of the second half, with D. Hill replacing R. Conte at the break for Halifax. Further substitutions followed as both sides searched for a winner, but the late drama ensured the points were split. The only booking of the game went to Southend's O. Coker early in the second period.
Attention now turns to a quick turnaround and a key home fixture. Barrow currently sit two places above Halifax in eighth, making it a significant match in the battle for a top-half position. The team will look to continue their positive momentum from this late fightback. This season's top scorer for Halifax is S. Johnson, who has yet to find the net in his 10 appearances.
