MATCH REPORT: Wealdstone 0-1 FC Halifax Town

Wealdstone were defeated by FC Halifax Town on Tuesday night at The Vale in a match with very few chances for either side.

Gary Waddock made two changes to the team from Saturday’s win at Boston United as Jack Cook replaced Joe Newton for his first start of the season and Dan Chesters came in for Aaron Henry in a late change before kick-off.

The Halifax goalkeeper was the first to be tested in the fourth minute as Jack Wells-Morrison tried his luck from distance, but True Grant was able to make a routine save.

After weathering the early pressure, the visitors grew into the game and Stones’ goalie Dante Baptiste was forced into his first save of the match in the 19th minute, reacting sharply to deny Conor Carty after the forward burst into the Wealdstone box.

The rest of the first half was played out without much further goalmouth action as the teams struggled to break each other down.

HALF-TIME:  Wealdstone 0-0 FC Halifax Town

The Stones started the second half with renewed energy but nearly conceded the first goal when Baptiste passed the ball straight to Ben Tollitt.  The winger made a poor attempt at chipping the Wealdstone keeper, who was able to catch the ball comfortably.

Just before the hour mark, Town took the lead. Will Hugill was played in behind the Wealdstone defence and fired a powerful effort goalwards that Baptiste was only able to parry away.  The Stones failed to clear the danger as Halifax pounced on a loose ball and sub Amari Morgan-Smith found the back of the net from close range.

Wealdstone’s struggles to create chances continued and they did not threaten until the 78th minute when Jayden Harris whipped the ball across the face of goal and it appeared to brush Shaun Hobson’s hand as he steered it back to the goalkeeper.  Shouts for a penalty for Wealdstone were waved away by the referee.

Dante Baptiste was called into action in the final minute of normal time to prevent The Shaymen from doubling their lead, saving a Cody Johnson shot from the edge of the box.

Halifax saw out the three minutes of stoppage time comfortably as the match ended in defeat for The Stones who remain without a home win in the Enterprise National League this season.

FULL TIME: Wealdstone 0-1 FC Halifax Town

Wealdstone: Baptiste (GK), Cook (Kaunda 71), Wells-Morrison, Kadji (Barrett 65), Olomola (Waweru 65), Harris, Francis-Clarke, Chesters (Henry 65), Smith, McAvoy ©, Mundle-Smith (T Newton 46).
Subs not used: Johnson (GK).

Att: 1,347 (44 visiting fans)