Halifax Town have crashed to a hugely disappointing 2 v 0 defeat to Droylsden.On a bitterly cold afternoon The Shaymen had their chances, especially in the first half, and paid the ultimate penalty with goals from Jamie McGuire and Terry Fearns giving the home side the 3 points.
As expected Andy Campbell replaced the injured Jon Shaw up front.Other changes saw Craig Mawson return in goal, Adam Quinn replace Tom Clarke at the back and Tom Kearney took Simon Heslop's place in midfield.
Campbell had the chance to give Town a flying start when he raced away from ex Shayman Greg Strong on the left but Paul Phillips saved.Lewis Killeen and Campbell linked in the centre but Campbell's shot failed to trouble Phillips.
Town found themselves a goal down on the 6th minute.A left wing cross was partially cleared to an unmarked McGuire and his precise shot from 22 yards gave Mawson no chance.McGuire looked to round Mawson minutes later but Anthony Griffith cleared.
Adam Quinn's return lasted 15 minutes when he limped from the field clutching his hamstring following a challenge and Simon Ainge took his place.Town threatened on 17 minutes when Killeen found Danny Forrest who in turn released Campbell and in a repeat of earlier efforts Phillips raced from his line to deny the Town front man.
Danny Forrest curled a free kick wide and then had a chance to equalise when he latched onto a loose ball in the area but Greg Strong got back to clear his shot off the line.Strong received a yellow card for a robust challenge on Campbell that eventually forced him to leave the field with Daryl Taylor taking his place.
Chris Wilder sent his men out early for the second half but despite enjoying plenty of possession they struggled to unlock a determined home defence.And to make matters worse Droylsden doubled their advantage in the 53rd minute.Lewis Killeen lost the ball near the halfway line and Terry Fearns headed for goal, drew Mawson, and scored off the underside of the bar.
Simon Heslop replaced Matt Doughty and it was his ball into Forrest that created a shooting opportunity but it was blocked.Greg Strong received his marching orders for a second bookable offence when he upended Forrest and Town looked to take advantage of the extra man but far too often the final ball was lacking.
Lewis Killeen had a shot deflected wide and Jake Wright went close with a header.Simon Ainge almost got on the end of 2 corners but it wasn't to be and Droylsden closed out the game to take the 3 points.
Town return to action in the Setanta Shield at Rushden and Diamonds on Thursday evening before the long trip to Exeter on Saturday.
What are your thoughts on this afternoon's game. Let us know on the official Halifax Town messageboard.
