Danny Forrest's 71st minute equaliser may yet prove to be the Club's most important goal of the season.The Shaymen were trailing to Marvin Robinson's 48th minute goal against high flying Oxford United when Forrest struck to give Halifax Town a deserved point.And, with more luck all 3 points could have headed to The Shay. For the League table - click here
Promotion chasing Oxford, Managed by ex Shay player Jim Smith, were looking to avenge their FA Trophy defeat at The Shay but there was little to choose between the sides overall and Chris Wilder was happy that his team had something to show for their efforts.
The first half saw very little in the way of clear cut chances with neither Keeper, Craig Mawson for The Shaymen and Billy Turley for the visitors, seeing much action.
Tom Kearney headed off his own line in the 3rd minute as Oxford pressed but they were kept at bay by a confident defence, ably supported by a tenacious midfield.
Lewis Killeen fired over from a Gus Uhlenbeek pass as Town pressed midway through the half then Forrest headed another cross from the Dutch veteran over the bar.Eddie Anaclet upended Forrest as he raced away on the right but Turley took Kearney's free kick comfortably and the first half stalemate ended.
An early second half corner led to Oxford taking the lead.The initial cross was headed goal bound but was cleared to Marvin Robinson who bundled the ball home.A foul by Ryan Cresswell gave Oxford another opportunity a couple of minutes later but Mawson saved comfortably.
Chris Billy shot over from 25 yards as Town sought a way back into the contest. Forrest shot straight at Turley from distance and emphasised his increasing danger when he released Jake Wright on the left.The ex Bradford man's cross was palmed away by Turley to Uhlenbeek who swivelled and crossed for Killen to head back across goal.Billy met his header but his thumping volley from 8 yards was blocked.
After 71 minutes the equaliser arrived.Wright combined with Killeen on the left and played Forrest in.The frontman's control was instant and his left foot finish emphatic for his 6th goal of the season and he now joins Steve Torpey as the joint top scorer.
Killeen fired wide before a triple substitution from Chris Wilder saw Billy, Uhlenbeek and Darryn Stamp leave the field to be replaced by Tyrone Thompson, Andy Campbell and Steve Torpey.The return of Campbell ahead of schedule after 6 months out injured will be a huge boost to the whole squad.
Jake Wright's incisive low cross from the left possibly should have given Town a chance to win the game.The ball eluded Forrest but looked to be handled by a defender but despite the appeals of the Players and crown referee Gibbs waved play on.
Chris Wilder will look on tonight's result as a good point and will be looking for his team to continue in the same vein when they travel to Southport next Tuesday night, kick off 7.45pm. Fixture list to see remaining 10 games - click here
What did you think to tonight's performance and result. Let us know on the official Halifax Town messageboard.
