FC Halifax Town produced a commanding performance at The Shay Stadium, defeating Eastleigh 3-1 to secure a valuable three points in the National League. The Shaymen dictated the tempo from the first whistle, establishing a comfortable two-goal cushion before the break.
The breakthrough arrived in the 27th minute. Adam Alimi-Adetoro, a constant threat down the wing, delivered a precise cross which Billy Waters met with a confident finish to give Halifax the lead. The home side’s relentless pressure continued, and their advantage was doubled just before half-time. Florent Hoti’s incisive through ball split the Eastleigh defence, leaving Will Smith with the simple task of slotting home for 2-0. Shortly after the opening goal, Halifax manager made a tactical change, introducing Ryan Galvin for Angelo Capello, a substitution which further strengthened their midfield grip and effectively nullified Eastleigh’s attacking ambitions.
Eastleigh responded with a double substitution at the interval, bringing on Solomon Nwabuokei and Wesley McDonald in an attempt to revitalise their attack. However, it was Halifax who extended their lead in the 61st minute. A rapid counter-attack culminated in Adan George squaring the ball to Alimi-Adetoro, who capped a fine individual display with a deserved goal, making it 3-0.
Despite facing a daunting three-goal deficit, Eastleigh showed resilience and refused to give up. Their persistence was rewarded in the 82nd minute when Jake Vokins’ cross found the head of Richard Brindley, who nodded home a consolation goal. Although both sides made further substitutions in the closing stages, and Eastleigh enjoyed a late spell of pressure, Halifax remained resolute and saw out the game to claim all three points.
The victory moves Halifax up to ninth in the National League table with 13 points, while Eastleigh remain in sixth place with 16 points. The two sides have a history of closely contested matches in recent seasons, with Eastleigh holding a slight edge in previous encounters.