FC Halifax Town secured a dominant 3-0 victory over Hornchurch at The Shay Stadium, delivering a clinical performance that saw them take control from the latter stages of the first half.
The opening period was a cagey affair, with both sides probing for an advantage. Hornchurch actually made the brighter start, with Josh Walker testing True Grant early on, but Halifax gradually began to find their rhythm. As the half progressed, the hosts started to create the better opportunities, with Zak Gilsenan and Ben Tollitt both threatening before the breakthrough arrived.
In the 45th minute, Zak Gilsenan provided the assist for Connor Douglas, who opened the scoring for the hosts. The goal gave Halifax a deserved advantage after they had grown increasingly influential as the half progressed, and the Shaymen carried a slender 1-0 lead into the interval.
The second half saw FC Halifax Town build on their momentum. They almost doubled their lead in the 56th minute when Cody Johnson released Gilsenan, who combined with Conor Carty, but Hornchurch goalkeeper Arthur Nasta came out quickly to deny the opportunity.
Hornchurch made their first change in the 59th minute, bringing on Henry Hearn for Jack Powell in an attempt to alter the course of the match. However, Halifax continued to control proceedings and were rewarded in the 64th minute. Connor Douglas provided the assist for Ben Tollitt, who took a touch before firing into the bottom corner to extend the lead to 2-0.
Hornchurch, under the guidance of Daryl McMahon, struggled to find a response. Further changes followed, with Charlie Pegrum replacing Aaron Rowe before Bobby Kelman and Asher Yearwood were introduced for Josh Walker and Henry Sandat respectively. Despite the fresh personnel, Halifax remained in control and continued to create the more dangerous opportunities.
The scoring was completed in the 86th minute when Tayt-Lemar Trusty produced a superb first-time strike from distance. Cody Johnson was credited with the assist as Trusty’s effort flew into the bottom corner, putting the result beyond doubt and completing an impressive afternoon for the Shaymen.
FC Halifax Town made several late changes as they saw out the remainder of the game, with Owen Bray and Amari Morgan-Smith replacing Conor Carty and Connor Douglas, before Arian Allen and Cruz Allen were also introduced. Miles Bracking of Hornchurch received a yellow card in the 75th minute, while Cruz Allen was cautioned for Halifax in stoppage time.
The final whistle confirmed a convincing 3-0 victory for FC Halifax Town. After weathering some early Hornchurch pressure, the hosts grew into the match and were increasingly dominant after taking the lead shortly before half-time.
The victory moves FC Halifax Town onto nine points from seven games and leaves them 13th in the English National League table after Saturday’s fixtures. Hornchurch remain on 12 points and sit eighth after suffering their second consecutive league defeat. The Urchins have also failed to score in either of those two losses, while Halifax will take encouragement from an assured performance and a clean sheet.
