The Shay Stadium was the scene of a thrilling contest as FC Halifax Town clinched a dramatic 3-2 victory over Boreham Wood in an English National League encounter that ebbed and flowed. In a match characterised by attacking intent and fluctuating fortunes, it was the home side that ultimately emerged triumphant, securing the win with a late goal from substitute Owen Bray.
The stage for a goal-filled afternoon was set early. FC Halifax Town took the lead in the 20th minute when Josh Hmami found the net, with Jay Turner-Cooke providing the assist. However, Boreham Wood responded promptly, levelling the score just five minutes later. Zak Brunt was the scorer, assisted by Lewis Richardson.
The back-and-forth nature of the game continued as Halifax Town regained their advantage in the 32nd minute. Will Smith scored for the home side, making it 2-1 and igniting the home crowd.
The second half saw Boreham Wood once again display their resilience. Lewis Richardson, who had registered an earlier assist, scored himself in the 54th minute, with Abdul Abdulmalik providing the assist. This 2-2 scoreline set the scene for a tense conclusion.
Both teams pressed for a winning goal, and it was FC Halifax Town who found it in the 86th minute. Substitute Owen Bray, who had entered the game in the 67th minute, scored the decisive goal, with Billy Waters, another substitute who had come on in the 80th minute, providing the assist. This late intervention proved to be the decisive blow, securing all three points for the home side.
The match saw referee James Westgate issue a number of yellow cards: Shaun Hobson, Dylan Crowe, Will Smith, and Jay Turner-Cooke for FC Halifax Town, and James Clarke for Boreham Wood.
This victory sees FC Halifax Town maintain their position within the playoff places, currently occupying seventh spot in the National League table with 59 points from 38 games. Boreham Wood, meanwhile, remain fourth, with 71 points from 38 games, underscoring the close competition at the top of the league.
