Two goals from recent signing Jon Shaw helped Halifax Town record their first victory on their travels this season as they defeated Stafford rangers 3 v 2 at the Marston Road Ground.
The Shaymen dominated the first half and held a deserved lead at the interval courtesy of a Lewis Killeen goal but found themselves trailing only 6 minutes into the second half.But their spirit and character shone through and a brace from Shaw secured the 3 points.
Chris Wilder adopted a 4-4-2 formation for this game with Steve Torpey taking Matt Doughty's place in the starting line up from the team that faced Oxford at the weekend.
The first 45 minutes were as one sided as they come with Town repelling anything Stafford could offer, were in control in midfield and lively up front.
Andy Campbell had an early shot deflected wide then and was in the action again when Cortez Belle broke up a Stafford attack, surged down the right and played a precise ball to Campbell whose first touch took the ball towards goal and he appeared to be held back as the keeper advanced to claim the ball.
Jake Wright almost caught home keeper Danny Alcock off his line in the 17th minute and Jon Shaw nearly set up Campbell from a well worked free kick.Anthony Griffith had an effort deflected wide as shots rained in from all angles.
And, the persistence finally paid off with the opening goal on 35 minutes.Steve Torpey's shot was deflected and he himself took the resulting corner which found Andy Campbell at the back post.His volley across goal was headed home by Killeen and The Shaymen finally had the lead.
Stafford gave a hint of things to come when Marco Adaggio scored from a free kick into the box but the Assistant spotted the Striker had used his hand and the goal was ruled out and The Shaymen headed into the break with a 1 goal advantage.
Whatever Rangers Boss Phil Robinson said at half time clearly worked.A couple of substitutions livened the home side and the equalised 2 minutes after the restart.Substitute Kevin Street crossed from the right and Adaggio netted with a low shot.
And Adaggio turned provider 4 minutes later when he was set free on the right.His cross should have been cleared but David McNiven pounced from a suspiciously offside position and Stafford had the lead.
Town responded with a Torpey free kick that was deflected for a corner and Andy Campbell was inches off target with a shot on the turn 15 yards from goal.Alcock then saved from Campbell who had latched onto Adam Quinn's ball forward.
It was from another Torpey corner that Town equalised.Jon Shaw's goal bound header at the far post was cleared but the Assistant confirmed Town's appeals that the ball had crossed the line and the ex Burton man had his first goal in a Halifax Town shirt.
And his scored only took another 5 minutes to arrive.Andy Campbell received the ball on the left, his curling cross was precise and Shaw applied the finish at the far post.
Confident handling by Craig Mawson kept Stafford at bay and Town held on comfortably to claim a deserved 3 points.Adam Quinn left the field in stoppage time with concussion but nothing was going to get in the way of a victory that was a reward for the spirit and character in the camp.
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By Andrew Gilchrist
