The first half of this game was uninspiring from Halifax Town and dominated by Torquay but a sign of a team worthy of promotion is the finding of a way to win. In the second half, FC Halifax Town demonstrated just that.
Their first goal came from Billy Waters on 60 minutes who finished a loose ball and this acted as a releasing of the tension that in the first half, was all around a well-populated Shay stadium. This goal was massive and the Town fans knew it.
The second duly followed on 71 minutes when Gerry McDonagh headed in from a free kick having been substituted on shortly before. This was, if the 1st was a relief, the comfort and a sign that you can win despite playing badly. The fact that this position was earned was testament to the stoic solidity shown by the Halifax defence amidst Torquay pressure.
After the second, it was a test for the Shaymen’s skills in game management and their ability to avoid doidng anything reckless or stupid. From Sam Johnson, their keeper, claiming crosses to the earning of free kicks, it was almost a lesson in how to do it directed by their manager, Pete Wild.
Torquay huffed and puffed but lacked a real threat and failed to take their chancees. A criminal act when playing a team like Halifax.
The full time whistle sounded, and the strains of Sweet Caroline echoed around the ground. This win kept Halifax in 3rd place. The place was buzzing and the play offs look realistic, if not in their own hands for the Shaymen.
‘We’re on our way to the Football League’ was chanted throughout by the fans. They might well be.
