The Shay Stadium played host to a tightly contested English National League fixture on Saturday, where Hartlepool United emerged victorious with a solitary 1-0 triumph over FC Halifax Town. The decisive moment arrived in the second half courtesy of Adam Campbell’s strike.
From the opening whistle, both teams displayed a commitment to asserting their authority, though clear-cut scoring opportunities were scarce. FC Halifax Town, on home soil, endeavoured to dictate play in the midfield, seeking openings through a series of deliberate passes. However, Hartlepool United’s defensive structure, expertly organised from the rear, proved steadfast. The visitors, conversely, looked to capitalise on turnovers, their more direct approach occasionally causing discomfort to the home defence but ultimately failing to generate significant danger.
The first half was punctuated by a number of cautions as the competitive nature of the encounter escalated. Hartlepool’s Jay Benn was booked in the 37th minute for an infringement, a yellow card that would necessitate a degree of caution for the remainder of his participation. FC Halifax Town also incurred the referee’s displeasure, with Josh Hmami receiving a caution in the 53rd minute for a similar offence. The midfield battles were frequently robust, with neither side willing to relinquish territory easily.
As the second half unfolded, Hartlepool United introduced a tactical change in the 65th minute, with Besart Topalloj replacing Tom Parkes. This substitution preceded the match’s pivotal moment.
In the 71st minute, the deadlock was broken. Adam Campbell found the net for Hartlepool United, giving his team the lead. This goal, the only one of the contest, proved to be the match-winner.
Following the goal, FC Halifax Town intensified their efforts to find an equaliser, making a triple substitution in the 77th minute, bringing on Dylan Crowe, Max Wright, and Cody Johnson in an attempt to bolster their attacking and midfield options. Despite their endeavours and a late surge of pressure, the home side were unable to breach the resolute Hartlepool defence. Hartlepool United, aiming to secure their advantage, also made a late substitution, with Jermaine Francis entering the fray in place of goalscorer Adam Campbell in the 86th minute.
The closing stages of the match saw further bookings for Hartlepool United, with Jamie Miley cautioned in the 66th minute, and Nathan Sheron and Jermaine Francis receiving yellow cards in the final moments of the second half, underscoring the determination to preserve their lead and claim the crucial three points.
The result propels Hartlepool United to ninth place in the English National League table with 26 points from 18 games, extending their unbeaten run to four matches. FC Halifax Town, meanwhile, remain in tenth place, also on 25 points from 18 games, and will be disappointed to have gone a second consecutive match without scoring.