Halifax Town 0
Not Used - Bracey, Burton, Morley.
Not Used - Parks, Rezai, Hawe, Jules
The first five minutes were City's best of the match, frankly. They were on top and pressing Halifax from the go. And it paid off as they took the lead only 4 minutes in to the game. Gary Brabin's free kick was blocked by the wall and John Eyre too had his resulting shot blocked but as the ball bounced to Lee Philpott on the edge of the area, with his back to goal he turned and volleyed superbly past Craig Mawson in the Shaymen goal. What a start, and Phipott's first goal in the black and amber shirt.
The Tigers continued to dominate the game until around the 20-25 minute mark, when Halifax came in to it more. But they could not convert increasing posession and territorial advantage in to goals, and half time came, with many City supporters hoping their side moved up a gear in the second half.
But it did not really happen. Halifax still pressed and harried and City were lettying them have far too much of the ball. Both teams did have chances. With Kevin Francis through on goal he shot low but the ball was saved well by Mawson. Francis also had a header cleared off the line by Matthews. This was the second time that happened, as earlier he had beaten Mawson to a corner and headed towards goal only to find Chris Clarke in the right place at the right time. For the visitors, Leon Mike fired a dipping volley just over, and Middleton hit a long range effort just wide. Earlier, in the first half, Kerrigan headed over when unmarked from Matthews' cross.
As the 90 minutes filtered out, the visitors piled men forward and had two corners in stoppage time but could not find a way past a resolute City defence marshalled by the excellent Gary Brabin. He was strong, fearless, and had the determination and courage it is very pleasant to see.
So, a crucial win which lifts us to the dizzy heights of 8th, level on points with Southend in the all-important 7th position. Now comes two extremely tough tests, away games at Brighton and Plymouth, but the team have built themselves a solid foundation to build on with this battling display. Well done again lads.
