Cortez Belle's second goal of the season secured a point for Halifax Town in a 1 v 1 draw at home to Salisbury City.Belle's 76th minute header cancelled out Wayne Turk's goal in a game where the 2nd half was the one to remember after a dismal opening period.
Injuries and suspensions continue to hinder Chris Wilder's chances of selecting a settled side.With Darryn Stamp nursing a hamstring strain the Manager reshuffled his troops with Lewis Killeen moving forward to partner Jon Shaw.Ryan Toulson took Killeen's place on the right of midfield with Jake Wright partnering Simon Heslop in the centre.
Within seconds of the opening whistle Shaw was affected by blurred vision when the ball hit him in the eye but he showed commendable commitment to continue.On another day he would have given his side a 7th minute lead when Killeen flicked on Adam Quinn's ball forward but although he beat Salisbury keeper Ryan Clarke his shot missed the target.
Salisbury replied with a series of corners that were dealt with by confident handling from Adam Legzdins.
Simon Heslop is fast gaining himself a reputation for spectacular goals and he nearly added to his collection on 17th minutes when his 25 yards volley looked destined for the net until Clarke's diving save.
Andrew Sandell skipped past Quinn's challenge and it needed a block from Greg Young to avert the danger.Daniel Clay fired into the South Stand from the right side of the area before Sandell capitalised on confusion in the home defence, rounded Legzdins but the keeper recovered to take the goal bound ball.Legzdins denied Sandell again and the half ended without a goal.
An Achilles injury forced Adam Quinn from the field at half time with Cortez Belle taking his place.A second change saw Daryl Taylor replace Rob Scott which saw Ryan Toulson move to right back and Lewis Killeen to the right side of midfield.
Taylor's pace gave Town an impetus and he latched onto Belle's clearance but his cross was cleared at the near post with Jon Shaw and Steve Torpey waiting to pounce.Taylor escaped his man on the left and the ball reached Heslop but his 20 yard shot failed to hit the target.
Salisbury took a 56th minute lead.A cross from the right wasn't cleared and the ball was played in from the left where Wayne Turk's header from 10 yards gave the Wiltshire side the lead.
Nicky Gray replaced Jake Wright and Town went in search of an equaliser.Keeper Clarke saved from Taylor then Heslop shot wide before Taylor failed to hit the target with another shot.
Torpey's free kick on the right was spilled by Clare but good defending prevented Grey Young from scoring.But the equaliser wasn't long in arriving.A left wing corner was only cleared as far as Torpey and Belle rose to head home his second goal in a Halifax Town shirt.
Clarke made a fine save to deny Torpey a 20 yard stunner and denied Heslop soon after with a reaction save low to his right when a winner looked on the cards.Try as the might The Shaymen were unable to find the second goal and have to settle for a point.
Town now head into WRCC Cup action at Farsley Celtic in a weeks time.
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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