FC Halifax Town secured their place in the FA Cup first round proper but were forced to survive a nervy finale in a 3-2 victory over South Shields at The Shay. Conor Carty's first-half brace and a Max Bardell strike had put the hosts in a commanding position before two goals in a minute from the visitors set up a tense finish.
Halifax, sitting 10th in the National League standings with 20 points, took control of the tie with three goals in a devastating 10-minute spell. Carty opened the scoring in the 12th minute, converting from close range after a Cody Johnson assist. Bardell doubled the lead eight minutes later, pouncing on a rebound after a Tayt Trusty header had been saved. Carty then completed his brace just two minutes after that, making it 3-0 and seemingly putting the game beyond reach.
South Shields fight back
The visitors, however, refused to capitulate and mounted a dramatic comeback in the second half. Cedwyn Scott gave them hope in the 69th minute, finishing a half-volley from inside the box. Within 60 seconds, Toby Onanaye unleashed a spectacular 35-yard strike that flew into the net, reducing the deficit to a single goal. Mike Williamson, the South Shields manager, said the "quickfire goals from Cedwyn Scott and Toby Onanaye around the 70th minute gave my side a fighting chance of a revival."
Halifax were forced to weather significant pressure in the closing stages. South Shields created several late chances, including a sliding effort from Adam Campbell that was deflected for a corner. The home side held firm, however, to secure a win that extends their recent unbeaten run to two matches following last week's 4-1 league victory over Gateshead. This recent form will be tested in their next National League fixture, a trip to face 18th-placed Hartlepool United, who have accumulated 13 points from their opening 12 games.
The victory sees Halifax progress in the cup competition, providing a positive distraction from their league campaign where they are 15 points behind leaders Boreham Wood. Robbie Tinkler and Tommy McDermott were both shown yellow cards during a frantic second half that saw 1,307 spectators witness the cup drama.
Manager John McGrath praised defender Shaun Hobson's role in seeing out the 3-2 FA Cup win over South Shields. "He was commanding at the back, looked a real class act, and got better as the game went on," McGrath said. The victory extends Halifax's unbeaten run to five games, with four wins and a draw. They next face third-placed Southend on October 24.
South Shields manager Mike Williamson said his side showed "too much respect" in the first half of their 3-2 FA Cup defeat at The Shay. Williamson told the club website his players were stunned after conceding early and left themselves a mountain to climb. Halifax, now on a four-game winning run, next face third-placed Southend on October 24.
The club confirmed that manager John McGrath joined FC Halifax Town from Buxton in May. McGrath's former side, now managed by Jordan Broadbent, sits on 16 points from 11 games in National League North. Halifax, on a four-game winning run, next face third-placed Southend on October 24.
The club's supporters are raising funds for team equipment through a pop-up merchandise stall at The Shay, the club confirmed. Supporters' Club vice-chairman Phil Merrifield said, "We ask the coaching staff what they need and settle the invoice." Halifax, 10th in the National League with 20 points from 13 games, next face third-placed Southend on October 24.
The club's supporters are raising funds for team equipment through a pop-up merchandise stall at The Shay, the club confirmed on October 20. Supporters' Club vice-chairman Phil Merrifield said, "We ask the coaching staff what they need and settle the invoice." Halifax, 10th in the National League with 20 points from 13 games, next face third-placed Southend on October 24.
