A year ago Darren Barnard's injury time strike robbed Halifax Town a point at Aldershot.Today it was Jonny Dixon's turn to score in the 5th minute of an astonishingly long period of extra time at the end of the game.
But, for the 3rd successive away game The Shaymen finished with 10 men. Jake Wright received a harsh red card following a missed penalty from the home side in the second period.The result is harsh on a Town side that battled hard throughout and made the promotion chasing Shots look a very average side.
Town took the game to the home side early on with Darryn Stamp, Lewis Killeen and Daryl Taylor prominent.Taylor just failed to get on the end of a Steve Torpey cross in the 6th minute and Killeen latched onto a Stamp flick, advanced on goal but Keeper Nikki Bull smothered the shot.
Tom Kearney shot wide after a corner was partially cleared and the home side lacking ex Town player John Grant were held at bay by a strong defence in which Adam Quinn and Greg Young were solid.
Referee Hooper gave Jake Wright a yellow card for clearly winning the ball but it didn't affect him as his excellent cross was guided into Steve Bushell's path by Stamp but the finish was lacking and the first half ended with Town on top.
Simon Heslop replaced Ryan Toulson at half time, the loanee from Barnsley making his debut in a Town shirt.
Aldershot came into the game with Ricky Newman setting up Louie Soares but Jake Wright cleared.
The award of a 51st minute penalty to the home side had a huge effect on the game.Steve Bushell handled a free kick in the area and a Penalty was awarded.Home skipper Rhys Day stepped up and blasted his effort well wide of Adam Legzdins post but in the aftermath the Assistant called the Referee over and Jake Wright received a second yellow card.
Matt Doughty instantly replaced Torpey as Chris Wilder reshuffled his pack and he was forced into a further change when Lewis Killeen limped from the field following an unpunished heavy tackle.This came moments after he forced Bull into another save from his left foot shot
Town continued to attack with Taylor's pace causing problems but the final ball was lacking.
At the other end Aldershot substitute Joel Grant fired wide then straight at Legzdins and it looked as though Town would gain a deserved point.
Referee Hooper continued his astonishing decisions by signalling 5 extra minutes and with seconds left Dixon struck when his shot went in off the post after a flowing move down the right.
The Shaymen must dread the sight of the Recreation Ground and will now have to focus for next Saturday's FA Cup clash at Evesham United.
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).
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By Andrew Gilchrist
