A disappointed Chris Wilder blamed naïve defending and individual errors as Burton Albion came from 2 goals down to secure a 2 v 2 draw thanks to Daryl Clare's 96th minute equaliser.And, this is the second home game in a row where at The Shay where Town have conceded a late equaliser having dominated the game for large periods.
Following the defeat at York last Thursday Wilder made changes.In came Adam Legzdins, on loan from Birmingham City, to replace Craig Mawson.Greg Young made his first full appearance since New Years Day having battled back from a serious knee injury.Up front Danny Forrest partnered Jon Shaw with Daryl Taylor occupying the right wing position.
With a growing injury list of predominantly front players it was disappointing to see Danny Forrest limp from the field after only 8 minutes after the ex Bradford man fell awkwardly from an aerial challenge with Darren Stride.This forced an early reshuffle with Taylor moving to a central position and another newcomer Alex Bailey joining the action on the right hand side.
Steve Torpey flashed a shot across goal and curled a right footed effort wide within the first 15 minutes.Town's rearguard kept Burton at bay with excellent defending and confident handling from Legzdins.In the 21st minute they really should have taken the lead.Jon Shaw was fouled on the right side of the field and Young missed the target with his close range header when he got on the end of a Tom Kearney free kick.
Kearney tried his luck from 20 yards but was instrumental in The Shaymen taking the lead shortly afterwards.A corner was cleared to the Town midfielder on the left and he worked a crossing position for Jake Wright, whose curling cross was turned home by Shaw for his 6th goal in 8 games in a Halifax Town shirt.Shaw's celebrations were muted against his former employers but there was no doubting the celebrations of his team mates and supporters.
Torpey's injury time free kick hit the wall and Town had to settle for a single goal lead.Burton, despite enjoying possession, rarely threatened in the first period and The Shay faithful wised for more of the same after the break.
Shaw almost doubled the advantage 4 minutes after the restart.Torpey's volleyed cross was reached Shaw but his downward header failed to hit the target.
Burton reminded Town of their abilities in the 59th minute when winger Keith Gilroy skipped past Ryan Toulson and John McGrath fired over from his pass.
Town pressed again and Taylor won a corner on the right.Torpey aimed for the near post where Adam Quinn was lurking but Darren Stride got there first and his glancing header secured an own goal and a 2 v 0 lead for The Shaymen.But the lead lasted seconds as Gilroy escaped on the left and crossed for substitute Daryl Clare.His shot hit the bar but rebounded to another substitute Marc Goodfellow and he made no mistake from 6 yards.
Legzdins saved from Clare moments later as the pressure mounted.Burton replaced defender Stride with Jake Edwards as they piled men forward at every opportunity.
Jon Shaw had a fine chance to secure the game but shot straight at Kevin Poole.
Steve Bushell replaced Torpey with Junior Dadson taking Bailey's place.4 minutes of injury time were signalled and the visitors appealed for a penalty when Edwards went down in the box and a delay in play followed as he received lengthy treatment.And it was during this extra time that Clare struck when he latched onto a ball forward, held off Adam Quinn's challenge to lob Legzdins.
So, Town have to settle for a point after being in charge of the game for long periods.Hopefully they can take all 3 points at Cambridge on Saturday.
Text HFAX and the surname of your man of the match to 88442 by 12pm tomorrow. Texts cost your normal rate.
