Jon Shaw scored a first half brace to make it 5 goals in 5 games since his move from Burton Albion as The Shaymen returned to winning ways with a 3 v 1 victory over struggling Northwich Victoria.Lewis Killeen netted the other goal on an evening when Town could have doubled the score line but will take heart from the 3 points as they prepare to face Rushden and Diamonds in their next fixture on home soil.
Andy Campbell returned to the starting line up, having sat out Friday's trek to Torquay, as did Steve Torpey with Danny Forrest having to settle for a place on the bench.Darryn Stamp missed out altogether with a slight hamstring strain.
Town started brightly and Adam Quinn looked to have an easy task of giving his side a 6th minute lead when he pounced after a Torpey free kick but Ben Connett in the Northwich goal somehow saved from point blank range.And, this was the first of a string of impressive saves from Connett.
Northwich caretaker Manager Paul Warhurst headed wide on 11 minutes from a corner and at the other end Campbell was fouled as he headed for goal.Town appealed for a Penalty but well positioned Referee Mr Joyce adjudged the contact was an inch outside the area.Ryan Toulson's shot was blocked and the rebound cleared with Adam Quinn ready to score.
Jon Shaw headed a Lewis Killeen cross wide and Torpey shot high and wide as Town looked for the opening goal but they had to be alert at the other end with Craig Mawson saving from Ryan Brown.
The opening goal finally arrived on 33 minutes.Killeen and Campbell linked on the edge of the box but Connett's denied Campbell.The ball broke to Shaw who kept his composure to beat his man and find the back of the net.
Shaw almost doubled the advantage within a minute when he latched onto a through ball but the Assistant's flag denied him on that occasion.His disappointment lasted a matter of seconds as he capitalised on a mix up from the resulting free kick to round Connett and double his personal, and his teams, score.
Campbell skipped away from Warhurst and played Killeen in on the right side of the area but Connett saved well.Anthony Griffith followed up and his shot was deflected just wide.Campbell looked set for a deserved goal on the stroke of half time when Connett saved from Torpey but ex Shayman Greg Strong made a superb latch ditch tackle to deny the ex Middlesbrough man and the half ended with The Shaymen enjoying a 2 goal advantage.
The second period began in similar fashion. A Toulson throw on the right found Shaw who's lay off gave Killeen the opportunity of his second goal of the season which he duly obliged and Town had a 3 goal advantage.
With nothing to lose Northwich threw men forward at will.Substitute Michael Byrne shot over and they gained a consolation in the 65th minute.Cortez Belle surged forward but lost the ball and Michael Coulson raced away, held off Quinn's challenge and slotted the ball past Mawson.
Further Vics pressure saw Town defend well and they worked an opportunity of their own in the 83rd minute to extend the advantage.Toulson's precise ball over the top found Campbell who headed for goal.His low shot had power but Connett made a superb save low to his right.
So 3 points for The Shaymen who now take on Rushden and Diamonds at The Shay on Saturday, kick off 3pm.
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).
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