Andy Campbell's brace of goals ensured Town's Conference status and provides a taste of things to come ahead of next season.The ex Middlesbrough man took his goals with some aplomb and may feel he could have had a hat-trick on another day.And, the relief around The Shay was there for all to see as fans invaded the pitch at the final whistle and joined the Stevenage fans in joyous chanting.
Town, needing only a point to guarantee survival, began the game on the front foot.Neal Trotman who has been a revelation at Centre Half shot over after a Darryn Stamp set up following a left wing corner.Steve Torpey had a chance but blazed over from his weaker right side.
At the other end giant Luke Oliver who is usually a centre half headed straight at Mawson. But, it was Campbell's pace that was causing the problems.He raced clear on the right and pulled his shot across the face of goal but made amends in the 36th minute.Tyrone Thompson and Tom Kearney won a midfield dual and found Lewis Killeen on the right.His ball over the Stevenage centre half's was precise, Campbell took the ball in his stride and beat the advancing Alan Julian.Campbell's celebrations earned him a yellow card from an otherwise excellent Referee.
Town headed for the half time 1 goal lead and the news came through that no other teams in the mix were winning.
Stevenage began the second half brightly.Jon Nurse capitalised on an Adam Quinn error, Craig Mawson smothered the shot and Trotman somehow cleared with Oliver ready to pounce.The visitor's threat increased and they drew level on the hour mark when Craig Dodgson escaped on the Town left and crossed for Nurse to stab the ball home from 6 yards out.
Nerves were evident on the terraces but Andy Campbell's 83rd minute strike lifted the tension.Second Half substitute Gus Uhleenbeek fed Campbell in the inside right channel and his finish across Alan Julian was clinical and the celebrations commenced.
In the final few minutes Stevenage did have the bal in the net but the Referee had already blown for a foul and Craig Mawson and so Town take the 3 points and finish the season in 16th place.
There's never a dull day at Halifax Town Football Club, watch this space for developments over the summer.
