A sensational 62nd minute strike from Anthony Griffith gives Halifax Town an impressive return of 10 points from the last 12 available and catapults the Club into the top half of the Blue Square Premier.
On a night when patience or a moment of magic would win the game Griffith's first goal in a blue shirt settled the game in Town's favour against Woking who by the admission of Manager Frank Gray after the game had come for a point.And, such was their lack of ambition The Cards managed only 2 shots at goal all night.The Shaymen had 10 efforts and dominated possession but the killer ball failed to materialise as the packed Woking defence repelled attacking opportunities.
Adam Quinn failed to recover from a head injury received at Stafford so Rob Scott took his place in an otherwise unchanged line up.But, more changes were required after 4 minutes when Scott limped off with a hamstring injury forcing Jake Wright to Centre Half with Matt Doughty joining the action at left back.
Town enjoyed the early possession with Cortez Belle's shot following a corner blocked and Andy Campbell was unable to take the ball past Nick Gindre when set up by home debutant Jon Shaw.Steve Torpey shot wide in the 20th minute but the clear cut chance would not come.
On the rare occasions Woking came out of their defensive shell Belle and Jake Wright coped well against the giant presence of Marvin Morgan.
Despite dominating Town failed to find a way to goal and the half ended all square.
The Shaymen upped the tempo as the second period commenced.A 49th minute free kick looked destined for Belle's head until a defender cleared and he headed just wide from a corner a minute later.Ryan Toulson failed to hit the target from another free kick then the goal arrived.
A foul on Griffith 35 yards from goal gave Town the opportunity to get the ball into the box.Torpey and Tom Kearney linked and the ex Bradford man's cross was headed out to Griffith 20 yards from goal.The Doncaster loan man connected sweetly on the volley and the ball nestled in the back of the net off the underside of the crossbar.
And Griffith almost doubled his tally when he raced into the penalty area to meet Torpey's corner but his header was just off target.
Campbell fired over from Belle's pass then Doughty almost scored his first League goal for Halifax Town but his thunderous free kick hit the post.
Matt Ruby's looping header caused Craig Mawson concern for a second but it went over the bar and this was the best Woking offered.Late chances for Shaw and Campbell could have doubled the advantage but The Shaymen will happily settle for 3 deserved points which were a reward for their patience in breaking down stubborn opposition.
Town now face a long trip south to the English Riviera for Friday nights clash with another ex Football League Club Torquay United and will travel with confidence from tonight's victory.
Who was your man of the match this evening. Text HFAX and the surname to 88442 before 12pm tomorrow and we'll announce the winner tomorrow afternoon.(Texts cost your normal price).
What were your views on the game, let us know on the official Halifax Town messageboard
