Zak Gilsenan was the standout performer as FC Halifax Town cruised to a 3-0 home win over AFC Hornchurch. The victory at The Shay on Saturday moves the Shaymen up to 13th in the National League table with nine points from seven games.
Gilsenan broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time, finishing coolly to give Halifax a lead they never looked like relinquishing. Ben Tollitt doubled the advantage in the 65th minute before substitute Tayt Trusty added a third with four minutes of normal time remaining.
Match action
The hosts dominated from the outset, creating the clearer chances against their visitors from Essex. Halifax recorded seven shots on target to Hornchurch's two, also forcing eight corners. Goalkeeper True Grant was rarely troubled, with the defensive unit of Max Bardell, Raheem Conte, Arthur Nasta and Cody Johnson providing a solid foundation.
The opening goal arrived at a perfect moment. Gilsenan, lively throughout, found space on the edge of the box and fired home just before the interval. His influence continued after the break, as he turned provider for Tollitt's strike that effectively sealed the points. Manager Micky Mellon introduced fresh legs late on, and the move paid off when Trusty converted from close range to complete the scoring.
Manager's view
Micky Mellon was pleased with his team's professional display. "It was a good, solid performance from start to finish," the Halifax boss told the Halifax Courier. "We controlled the game, took our chances when they came and kept a clean sheet, which is always important."
They have now scored 12 goals this season while conceding 10.
What comes next
Attention now turns to the next fixture, a trip to face Boreham Wood. The Shaymen will be looking to close the eight-point gap to the league leaders when they meet next Saturday. The full schedule of upcoming games is available on our fixtures page.
Halifax's squad depth was on show against Hornchurch, with Conor Carty, Connor Douglas and Aaron Rowe all featuring from the start. Unused substitutes included Johnson and Hill, while the visitors made four changes in search of a way back into the game. Referee Isaac Searle oversaw a match watched by 1,310 spectators, including 84 away fans.
