Green strikes late to save point for Halifax

FC HALIFAX TOWN 1 HARTLEPOOL UNITED 1 NATIONAL LEAGUE

KIERAN GREEN’S header salvaged a point for FC Halifax Town as they drew 1-1 with Hartlepool United at The Shay.

Mark Shelton had given Hartlepool a first-half lead, and it looked like Town would be frustrated in their efforts at getting back level until Green’s header 12 minutes from the end.

Halifax then had Danny WIlliams sent-off, making for a nervy finish in Town’s first home game for 31 days.

Town were caught out with a short corner, which was quickly worked to the unmarked Shelton just inside the box, who swept the ball across goal and in. A minute earlier, Jamie Allen got on the ball in space to the right of the Hartlepool box but his cross flashed through the area without a touch.

Just as Pete Wild had left his seat in the East Stand to confer with Chris Millington over the advertising hoardings, Jack Earing hit the inside of the post with a superb shot, with Hartlepool defender Lewis Cass clearing the rebound for a corner.

Halifax grew into the half, with Tom Bradbury heading just wide in added time.

Only an astonishing save from Johnson prevented Luke Armstrong from doubling Hartlepool’s lead.

But Green’s header dragged Town level as he nodded in King’s superb free-kick from near the left touchline.

Halifax: Johnson, King, Byrne, Bradbury, Senior (Woods 77), Green, Maher, Earing, Campbell (Williams 69), Allen, Hyde (Tear 95). Unused substitutes: Renshaw, Benn. Hartlepool: Killip, Sterry (Bloomfield 69), Odusina, Cass, Liddle, Ferguson, Shelton, Featherstone, Holohan (Crawford 82), Molyneux (Oates 56), Armstrong. Unused substitutes: Grey, White.

Referee: G Rhodes (England).