SHAY SWITCH SO SUPER FOR WILD
THE LATE switch of venues that brought Hali- fax Town down from the frozen wastes of Yorkshire to play on Bromley’s 3G pitch proved a Godsend for the Shaymen.
They came from an early goal down to maintain their push for the play-off places with a well merited victory.
It was only on Thursday afternoon that the idea was mooted between the two clubs after Halifax had decided their ground was unlikely to be fit for play.
“In fact, it was touch and go whether we could play last Tuesday,” admitted their manager Pete Wild who said that The Shay “was unplayable” when he left home yesterday morning. “I’m pleased we got the fixture in. It made sense to play.”
Both clubs had gone out of the FA Trophy at home in midweek but there the similarities ended.
Bromley, playing their first league game for 6 weeks, are faltering after a bright start to the campaign. They finished a man short after the 65th minute dismissal of their most influential player, Liam Trotter.
With easily the worst home record among clubs in the top half of the table, they looked a long way short of being promotion contenders after failing to build on the encouragement of a goal start.
Michael Cheek who had been clumsily pushed over by Kieran Green, got up to slam the 14th minute spot kick past Sam Johnson.
Halifax’s equaliser in the 22nd minute, also with a penalty, came after Bromley’s goalkeeper Mark Cousins had tripped Tahvon Campbell as they tussled for Jeff Kings’ cross.
Summerfield was as masterful from 12 yards as Cheek had been.
Summerfield, the League’s player of the month for December, and Jack Earing who had a close-range shot repelled by Cousins just before the interval, were the pick of Halifax’s midfield.
Green had also sent a header too high for the visitors who went in front when Kory Roberts made a hash of dealing with Tom Bradbury’s long ball out of defence in the 48th minute. Jamie Allen ran on and easily beat Cousins.
Not until Trotter had seen red for lunging in on Danny Williams – who gave way after two lengthy spells of treatment – did Bromley come forward with any conviction.
The ten men would have obtained an undeserved point had Johnson not got behind a piledriver from home substitute, Ben Williamson.
“We’ve been working on our structure and how not to concede any more weak goals,” said a delighted Wild. “The lads were excellent.”
STAR MAN: Jack Earing (FC Halifax Town) ENTERTAINMENT: REFEREE: