Build From The Back

Both sides matched up similarly in a 4-2-3-1 shape, though Halifax were able to stretch their hosts in dominating first-half possession. With Max Wright staying high and wide on the right touchline, Tylor Goulden made underlapping runs into an area between Crawford and Duffus, with Ferguson caught between pressing the ball and following Wright over his left shoulder - he recovered well to stop the cross on one occasion as Goulden strolled into the space unattended. Pools actually got deeper as the half went on, causing two problems: the gap between the centre halves and the forward line was such that Florent Hoti was afforded too much space to place in in the number 10 position, and before half time, Hoti himself was able to receive a pass almost on the goal line while still in an onside position.

Pools were much better after half time. Until the 80th minute when the full backs pushed higher and Adan George replaced Hoti to partner Harker up front, Halifax never went to a Plan B, and the directness of the home side's play was made more effective when Agyemang replaced Duffus and was able to reap the rewards of Dieseruvwe's tireless work. The passage of play that led to the match-winning penalty began as play became stretched on the other side. Joe Grey gave Stephenson a good option down the touchline, Stephenson fed the pass and for the first time Halifax were under pressure inside their own box - Johnson couldn't clear and in the resulting chaos Agyemang drew the foul. The more physical, direct second half with more frequent turnover of possession suited Pools much better than the Shaymen. The final 10 minutes Pools were deep but compact, and aside from riding their luck with a late penalty claim they deserved the clean sheet and morale boost after the midweek debacle.