Gateshead 2 - 2 FC Halifax Town

FC Halifax Town claimed a valuable Boxing Day point in a 2-2 draw against Gateshead at the International Stadium.

The trip to the North East was like stepping into the Eastern Block for a European away day - gloomy and bitterly cold weather conditions on a wintry December afternoon, enhanced by the open layout of the ground which doubles up as an athletics arena, the tell tale running track framed the hallowed turf.

In truth it bore more significance to both sets off supporters, a win for either side would have propelled them into the play off places. The Shay faithful had travelled well and were in good voice throughout.

The Shaymen got off to a fantastic start; in form Lois Maynard headed the opening goal early doors from a pinpoint Marc Roberts cross, before veteran John Oster levelled things up almost instantly.

Halifax was the better side, playing to their capabilities. A rare start for Jamie Jackson proved a masterstroke by Neil Aspin. Town’s number nine contributed to everything positive that the visitors had to offer with his concise passing, pace, and tricks and flicks.

The midfield combined well and Maynard found space once more, this time from a speculative distance of 40 yards. The midfielder light fly and the ball moved wickedly en route to goal, wrong footing Gateshead goalkeeper Adam Bartlett to make it 1-2 to the away side.

Back came the Tynesiders however, James Bolton bringing Rob Ramshaw to ground in an easy penalty decision for the referee Ryan Johnson.

Up stepped joint club top scorer Danny Wright to slot home from 12 yards and provide Gateshead’s second equaliser of the first half to go in 2-2 at the break.

The home side began to create more opportunities than the visitors in the second half, with the introduction of Michael Rankine, who provided pace and power but no cutting edge to a plethora of chances.

Town threatened on the break and looked dangerous late on.
Jackson, who only needed a goal to cap off a fine performance, was put through by on loan Will Hatfield.

Despite doing everything right in preparation, Jackson put the ball agonisingly wide by millimetres.

The Boxing Day game at the International Stadium finished 2-2 – a good point on their travels for FC Halifax Town, and a fair reflection on the second half. Town could well have nicked it on another day.

Next up for Halifax is a home game against Chester, less than 48 hours removed from their trip to the North East. Kick off is 3pm at the Shay.

Scott Boden Post Match vs. Bradford City - FA Cup 1st Round

It was heartbreak for FC Halifax Town as they fell to a 1-2 defeat to League One Bradford City in the FA Cup first round at a packed Shay stadium.

Striker Scott Boden gave his assessment on the game that lived up to it’s billing as arguably the tie of the round.

“It gave a little insight into what we’re about, a nice little eye opener to a few people who possibly think its just hoof ball and everything, I mean at times I think we played some good stuff.”

Good stuff indeed as Town got off to the best possible start through a hat trick of corner kicks, early pressure that bore fruit.

Inside three minutes Lois Maynard latched on to Paul Marshall’s set piece to send the Shay faithful into delirium.

“Took the pressure straight off us and bombarded them straight away, the fans were straight on their backs, we couldn’t of asked for a better start to be honest with you.”

From then on it was a chance a plenty for the Shaymen, while Bradford were left reeling. Boden himself went close, as did former Bantam Steve Williams.

“I had a couple, Willo’s had one, its crucial, that second goal was crucial in the match if it was for us or for them, unfortunately for us, they found it. I had a chance, I’d call it guilt edged myself, should have hit the target at least but you cant look back now.”

Town went into the half time break with their heads held high; the home side had matched the League One outfit all over the park.

Bradford’s Phil Parkinson was the first of the two managers to make changes and introduced striker Billy Clarke immediately into the second half. It was an inspired change as Clarke’s trickery caused major problems for the hosts.

Within five minutes of the restart Clarke played an influential role in Jon Stead’s equalising goal. Moments later, Clarke fed Portuguese midfielder Filipe Morais who gave the Bantams the lead for the first time in the match.

“To be honest its changed the game, he’s one of those players that just drops into little pockets, I mean defenders don’t know whether to go with him or to drop off, he picked the ball up I don’t know how many times and dictated play second half and when you bring on a player like that what can you do when he’s got top draw quality.

From my point of view it was never in the plans to sit back and soak up pressure, they just had a little 10 minutes with wave after wave to score two goals and you get punished by teams of that calibre.”

The Shaymen came back full of heart, desire and unparalleled work rate - hustling and harrying the opposition, throwing everything including the proverbial kitchen sink at Bradford.

Town peppered the Bantams goal to ensure a grandstand finish and on another day could well have grabbed at least a draw with their West Yorkshire neighbours.

“I shot first on the turn and Bradford’s blocked it, Robbo’s had it off the line and I think the place, the roof, would have come off if we had scored in the last minute but not to be.”

The memorable FA Cup tie was a feast of football for a crowd topping eight thousand at the Shay, a fantastic spectacle with the added spice of a West Yorkshire derby.

“There were a few little cheeky moments, the fans in general though - the noise, that’s how you knew it meant a lot to everyone around and involved with this club.

As a team we were hoping (for a big crowd), never expected seven/eight thousand but we were hoping there would be and hopefully we’ve given them a little something to come back and watch again.”

Its all hands to the pump in the league as the Shaymen travel to Grimsby this Tuesday evening. The Mariners will provide a stern test as they did back in September when the two sides fought to a 1-1 draw, Scott Nielson the pick of the Grimsby players.

“Back to reality really, I mean a lot of people wouldn’t of expected us to go one nil up and put them under pressure like we did but we’re back to our bread and butter now that’s what we really need to crack on with and hopefully another big performance on Tuesday.”

FCHT return to the Shay next Sunday for the visit of Woking, a game to be contested in front of the same TV cameras that captured the high drama of the FA Cup.