Radcliffe Borough3-2 FC Halifax Town
By Tom Snee at Stainton Park, Radcilffe
Saturday 27th February 2010
FC Halifax Town slumped to only their second league defeat of the season after a remarkable comeback from Radcliffe Borough
On a pitch that looked surprisingly good bearing in mind the amount of rain that has fallen this week, Town were able to play their usual passing game, and came close to opening the scoring after Danny Lowe threaded through James Dean.The striker had to stretch for the ball, but still got good contact, bringing a fine save from Lloyd Rigby.
The Shaymen continued to press forward, with Tom Baker going close from a 20 yard free-kick, and a first goal seemed inevitable.After a poor goal kick, Andy Lee - on his first start for Halifax - saw an opportunity to shoot.His effort was saved by the ailing Rigby, but Scott Phelan was on hand to lob the ball over the crowded box and into the empty net to give Town the lead.
Radcliffe had won 7 of their last 10 coming into the game, but Town's defence restricted the home side to long range efforts, with Jonathan Hedge only having to make one save - albeit a spectacular one after a 20 yard effort from Tom Brooks.
Phelan had obviously picked up the scent of the net after his first league goal of the season, and twice brushed the outside of the post with long range efforts before half time.
Town started the second half in much the same vein looking to extend their lead, and on 55 minutes their hopes were answered.With the ball bouncing around at the edge of the area, Dean picked the ball up after a deflection and managed to cross the ball to Harry Winter, who bagged his second of the season into an empty net.
Town seemed to be cruising at this point, but Radcliffe had other ideas.Ali Brown pulled out a fantastic backheel pass to Wharton on the edge of the box, and the in-form striker finished on the half volley past Hedge to begin an incredible come back.
If the first goal came a bit out of blue, the second was unfortunately expected.The Shaymen's nervy defending gave away a corner, and Shaun Conner took full advantage - ghosting into the box to head home and level the game on 68 minutes.
The Shaymen piled men forward in search of a winner, but the home side defended excellently to restrict Town to pot-shots from distance.Town's desire for a winner left gaps at the back however, and the home side took full advantage.
After a quick counter attack started by Rigby, Wharton found a mere foot of space on the edge of the Town box, but it was enough to squeeze off a shot into the bottom corner to give Borough a shock comeback victory.
The games now come thick and fast for the Shaymen, who need to get back on the horse ahead of Tuesday night's visit of Ossett Albion to The Shay.
