Halifax Town manager Chris Wilder would be a very rich man if he could bottle whatever he said in the dressing room at half time in a game which saw a superb second half performance turn a 2 goal half time deficit into a 3 v 2 win.
The Town faithful who provided superb vocal encouragement to the players for the entire 90 minutes will struggle to forget this game which had everything from goals to red cards and end to end entertainment.The 11 minute purple patch at the start of the second half was a joy to witness and could be the catalyst for a surge up the Conference table.
Apart from a caution for Rob Scott there was little in the opening period of the game to suggest what lay ahead.Steve Morison's tame shot was the only effort on goal before Craig Dobson gave the home side a 14th minute lead.The winger latched onto Mark Arber's long ball, held off Greg Young's challenge and lifted the ball over Adam Legzdins to score with the aid of a post.
Almost immediately Stevenage were reduced to 10 men, John Martin receiving a red card for a 2 footed challenge on Tom Kearney.Adam Miller received a yellow card for his protests and Town searched for the equaliser.Steve Torpey shot straight at Alan Julian and Darryn Stamp, returning to his former club, volleyed over from 20 yards.Simon Heslop played a neat one two with Stamp and his curling shot just missed the target.
But The Shaymen soon found themselves 2 goals adrift.Steve Bushell lost possession in midfield allowing Steve Morrison to head towards goal. He beat Adam Quinn's challenge then beat Legzdins and 10 man Stevenage had a 2 goal advantage.
Alan Julian's astonishing close range save from Stamp suggested Town were capable of a comeback and they didn't disappoint.
Chris Wilder shuffled his pack.On came Lewis Killeen and Ryan Toulson to replace Scott and Bushell.This allowed Simon Heslop to push into the centre of midfield with devastating effect.A foul on the Barnsley loan man 25 yards from goal gave Steve Torpey an opportunity.His effort was parried by Keeper Julian and Stamp pounced to net his first goal of the season.
Heslop's influence wasn't over as 2 minutes later he received the ball 30 yards from goal.His first touch was good, his second majestic as his shot found the top corner to cue mass celebrations amongst the 150+ Town fans.A definite candidate for goal of the season.
A midfield melee saw Tom Kearney become the 6th Town player in the last 9 games to receive a red card but Town didn't let this affect them.Stamp was fouled on the Town right then headed Torpey's free kick against the bar leaving Jon Shaw to pounce for this 10th goal in a Halifax Town shirt and amazingly Town had turned the game around within 12 minutes of the 2nd half commencing.
Toulson let fly from 25 yards narrowly missing the target as The Shaymen continued to press forward.
New Stevenage Boss Peter Taylor made changes pushing giant Centre Half Luke Oliver into attack but committed defending limited their chances of an equaliser.
Nicky Gray made a welcome return from injury replacing Stamp and he forced a decent save from Julian from a narrowly angle.
There was one let towards the end when Steve Morison hit the bar from close range and blasted the rebound over.
Few in the crowd at Broadhall Way will forget this game. And, the Halifax Town Management, Players and Supporters have every right to celebrate as they return up the A1 tonight.
Who was your man of the match this afternoon ? Text HFAX and the surname to 88442 before 12pm tomorrow and we'll announce the winner tomorrow afternoon. (Texts cost your normal price).
What were your views on the game; let us know on the official Halifax Town message board - Find Out later What the Press Are Saying about the game.
