Tomilinson’s late strike seals victory

Ben Tomlinson’s late winner moved FC Halifax Town to the brink of National League safety as they beat Sutton 2-1 at The Shay.

Mike Fondop-Talom put Town in-front in the first-half, but Ross Lafayette levelled for Sutton after the interval. However, Town roused themselves again and produced a dramatic winner to secure back-to-back home wins.

The gap to the drop zone is still nine points, but Barrow would have to produce title-winning form to catch The Shaymen now.

Sutton flew out of the blocks and created two chances inside 90 seconds, with Sam Graham’s sloppy clearance leading to Tommy Wright hitting the bar, before Louis John’s header from eight yards was tipped over by Sam Johnson.

Their profligacy was punished though as Town converted their first clear chance when Jake Hibbs’ superb through ball played in Fondop-Talom, who showed great composure to beat goalkeeper Jamie Butler.

Town should have doubled their lead after an hour but Tomlinson missed the target from 10 yards out and Hotte’s 25yard shot had hit the post.

Sutton’s second-half dominance paid off when substitute Lafayette headed home an in-swinging corner.

But just when it looked like Town would be hanging on, they grabbed all three points when Tomlinson reacted quickest to a corner being headed onto the bar.