Halifax vs Braintree - Match Report

With only a point separating Braintree and Halifax in the Skrill premier before kick off, the 6^th and 7^th placed sides played out a close 0-0 encounter at the Shay.

Neither side created enough to claim all three points in a subdued fixture where both teams could of gone third in the league with a victory.

Halifax in particular will feel disappointed, after beating league leaders Luton Town at the weekend.

A continuation of niggling fouls throughout ensured a stop start tie, where the referee didn’t allow the game to flow.

Halifax top scorer Lee Gregory was searching for a landmark 100^th goal for the Shaymen and his 28^th in the league this campaign, but was kept quiet for much of the game.

Looking isolated, the striker was limited to feeding off scraps from the otherwise energetic midfield three of Ryan Crowther, Matty Pearson and Adam Smith.

Braintree had the better of the chances in the opening 45 minutes, with Dan Holman their main threat, flashing the ball across the face of the Halifax goal on two occasions.

The Iron had won the reverse fixture 1-0 in November and there was signs early on Braintree may at least be the first to open the scoring.

But back came Halifax with a good spell of pressure to conclude the half.

The home side picked up where they left off after the break, enjoying extended periods in possession.

The Shaymen had won their previous 5 league fixtures going into Thursdays game, whilst Braintree were playing their sixth game in thirteen days.

With momentum with Halifax, and fatigue potentially playing a part as the clock ticked down, both sides struggled to net the opener.

That killer pass to link midfield to attack was lacking for Halifax who looked to unshackle Gregory, and debutant Scott Spencer who came on for Smith just after the hour mark.

The Braintree defence was unyielding throughout, and Halifax found it hard to unlock the door to the oppositions back line.

Despite late pressure on the Iron’s goal, the Shaymen were left frustrated by the visitors.

A draw seemed a fair result, and keeps both teams in the hunt for promotion.

Braintree move up to fourth in the league, a point ahead of the Halifax who stay seventh.

The Shaymen will look to get back to winning ways and extend their unbeaten run when they travel to Nuneaton on Saturday.