Simon Heslop prefers to score his goals by spectacular means and his stunning finish gave The Shaymen a massive 3 points at The Shay tonight against Ebbsfleet United.The midfielder finished off a flowing move in the 70th minute to secure a win which moves Halifax Town out of the Blue Square Premier relegation zone.
Town fully deserved the points against their visitors from Kent who were reduced to 10 men on the half hour mark after Sasha Opinel's 2 footed lunge on Anthony Griffith.Jon Shaw missed a 2nd half penalty but the determination and resolve was evident for all to see and victory was secured courtesy of a wonderful goal.
A cagey opening saw little in the way of chances but Luke Moore and Stacey Long both had shots that missed the target.Lewis Killeen created a crossing opportunity for Matt Doughty on the Town left but Jon Shaw couldn't get enough power into his shot.Shaw surged down the right and his low cross was met by Killeen but the ball ran through to keeper Lance Cronin.
Ebbsfleet were angered in the 23rd minute when Referee Waugh turned away penalty appeals for handball against Gareth Davies and he produced a red card for Opinel 7 minutes later after a two footed challenge in a midfield clash with Anthony Griffith.Town resorted to a flat back four afterwards with Andy Campbell replacing Simon Ainge.
Adam Legzdins produced a wonderful save in first half added time.Danny Forrest received a yellow card for his challenge on the Ebbsfleet left and Chris McPhee's header appeared destined for the back of the net until Legzdins intervened.
Andy Campbell had the first opportunity of the second period when he latched onto Jake Wright's ball over the top but pulled his left foot shot across goal.Tom Kearney replaced Gareth Davies who was making his comeback form injury forcing Anthony Griffith to right back.
Town were awarded a 60th minute penalty when Lewis Killeen was fouled in the area after a move involving Campbell and Doughty.Jon Shaw struck the ball well but Cronin made a diving stop away to his left and The Shaymen was indebted to their own goalkeeper minutes later when Long shot straight at him form a good position.
And it was Legzdins that started the move that brought they only goal of the game.His long kick was flicked on by Campbell to Danny Forrest who took the ball in his stride and found Heslop in a good position on the right side on the penalty area and he rifled home an unstoppable shot to give his side the advantage.
Peter Atherton's steadying influence at the back was a key feature but he made way for Santos Gaia with 12 minutes remaining and both he and Jake Wright cleared from their own goal line as the visitors launched a series of attacks.But Town held firm and deservedly took the 3 points on offer.
Chris Wilder will be hoping for more of the same in Essex ion Saturday where Town face Grays Athletic.
