HEATH’S HAPPY WITH REBUILD
FC HALIFAX ended their pre-season campaign undefeated despite Jordan Burrow missing a penalty in a scrappy draw with Accrington Stanley.
The National League North outfit began on the front foot against their League Two opponents with the impressive Josh MacDonald twice getting the better of former Shayman Matty Pearson down the right-hand side.
A MacDonald free-kick was then punched away by keeper Aaron Chapman and Kevin Roberts produced a couple of dangerous crosses from the other flank as Halifax looked to turn chances into goals.
And although Shay McCartan skipped past Roberts at the other end and shot wide, MacDonald’s magic – deceiving Pearson once again – created a golden chance for Tom Denton but his header was palmed away by Chapman.
A second headed chance for Town arrived on 16 minutes when Daniel Hone – who was a commanding presence throughout – was left in acres of space sixyards out but his effort was straight at Chapman.
Chapman was certainly the busier of the two goalkeepers but when Steven Drench was finally tested on the half-hour mark through Sean McConville’s freekick, his quick distribution led to the penalty after MacDonald’s pace was too much for Callam Jones to handle. Burrow’s weak spot-kick, however, was comfortably kept out by Stanley stopper.
Town started the second period with the same intensity and were nearly rewarded when a fantastic cross from Cliff Moyo found Denton, who was having his shirt pulled, but he couldn’t quite direct the ball goalwards.
A MacDonald mazy run and cross found Denton again but the target-man couldn’t connect when well placed.
Hone then produced a fantastic last-ditch block to deny a certain goal but that was the defender’s final contribution after the referee enforced his substitution following an altercation with Terry Gornell, who also had to be replaced.
Town couldn’t force a winner despite substitute Matty Kosylo causing problems but new manager Billy Heath was more than satisfied with his side’s showing. He said:“We had a great chance to win it but the boys were superb again.
“It was physical and competitive – just what you want in your last pre-season friendly.The confidence is really high and we have got quality in the squad. But they have all got to work hard.
“We have virtually built a new side and they have all been superb in pre-season. I can’t wait to get the season going now.”