Latics setback as Halifax seal Roses victory

Halifax triumphed 2-1 at Boundary Park last night (Tuesday)

Latics sustained their first home defeat of the National League season as Yorkshire rivals Halifax Town snatched a 2-1 victory thanks to a decisive second-half goal.

David Unsworth had named an unchanged team hoping to build on the 5-1 thrashing of Aldershot on Saturday, but faced disruption before the kick-off when goalkeeper Magnus Norman had to be hastily replaced by Mathew Hudson.

In the first half the Shaymen proved to be far more resistant than Aldershot on Saturday, particularly in midfield.

However, Joe Nuttall came close on 16 minutes and, four minutes later, Mark Kitchings’s low shot was pushed away for a corner.

The deadlock was broken in the 31st minute when the Yorkshire side took the lead, with striker Rob Harker beating Hudson from 20 yards.

Latics battled hard for an equaliser and were justly rewarded before half time when Mark Shelton fired in from close range for his first goal of the season.

The early second half was largely a tight affair until the 66th minute when Halifax forced a corner and, in the ensuing a six-yard box melee, defender Adam Senior forced the ball into the net as the visitors led for a second time.

With Mike Fondop replacing Nuttall and then Alex Reid on for Ben Tollitt, Latics were relentless in attacking in search of an equaliser.

James Norwood fired over the bar, and a penalty appeal for a perceived foul on Reid was turned down.

The remainder of the game was played mainly in the Halifax half, but all efforts failed as the 808 travelling supporters out of a match day attendance of 7,964 celebrated victory at the final whistle.

Thoughts now turn to Latics' next match - a daunting trip to league leaders Chesterfield on Saturday.

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