The Shay Stadium was the stage for a dramatic National League match as FC Halifax Town fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Eastleigh. Referee Dale Baines handed out a number of yellow cards during a match characterised by tactical substitutions from both sides.
Eastleigh began strongly, converting early pressure into a lead when Zavier Massiah-Edwards, assisted by Sonnie Davis, scored in the 15th minute. The visitors extended their advantage fifteen minutes later, Luis Fernandez finding the net after a pass from Jake Taylor. Halifax struggled to gain a foothold in the match. Josh Hmami and Cody Johnson both received yellow cards in the first half as the home side’s frustration mounted. Eastleigh’s Aaron Pierre and Harvey Saunders were also booked, reflecting the physical nature of the contest.
At half-time, FC Halifax Town manager Adam Lakeland introduced Owen Bray in place of Will Hugill, a tactical switch aimed at altering the course of the game. Eastleigh responded in the 57th minute by replacing Massiah-Edwards, their earlier goalscorer, with Paul McCallum. Halifax then brought on William Harris for David Kawa in the 68th minute, a substitution that would prove influential. In the same minute, Eastleigh introduced Angel Waruih for Aaron Blair.
The tension remained high as Jay Turner-Cooke received a yellow card for Halifax in the 51st minute, followed by Jake Taylor for Eastleigh in the 58th. As the match wore on, Eastleigh made further changes, with Jake Vokins and Lloyd Humphries replacing Richard Brindley and Taylor respectively in the 79th minute.
FC Halifax Town finally broke through in the 82nd minute when Owen Devonport scored, assisted by substitute William Harris. Halifax then made a double substitution in the 81st minute, introducing Thierry Latty-Fairweather and Jamie Cooke for Dylan Crowe and Josh Hmami. The pressure from the home side eventually paid off when Thierry Latty-Fairweather, assisted by Angelo Capello, scored in the 87th minute, levelling the score and igniting celebrations among the home supporters.
The match concluded with a 2-2 draw, leaving Eastleigh in 14th place with 10 points, while FC Halifax Town move up to 17th with 9 points. Halifax will likely rue their slow start, although the comeback highlighted their resilience. Eastleigh, now without a win in their last two matches, will be disappointed to have let slip their two-goal advantage.
