Tayt-Lemar Trusty struck in the 90th minute as FC Halifax Town twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with Southend United at Roots Hall, where the late equaliser sparked controversy over a Southend substitution and led to the dismissal of manager Kieron Dyer and goalkeeping coach Anssi Jaakkola.
Southend created the better early chances, with former Halifax defender Ashley Palmer forcing True Grant into a close-range save from a free-kick before the goalkeeper also denied Josh Popoola. The hosts took the lead in the 22nd minute when Shaun Hobson brought down Promise Omochere inside the penalty area. Omochere took the spot-kick himself and sent Grant the wrong way.
Halifax responded ten minutes later after Will Hugill and Raheem Conte combined down the left. Conte advanced into the penalty area and delivered across goal, with Amari Morgan-Smith converting from close range after Conor Carty’s initial effort was saved, according to contemporary local reporting.
Southend threatened to regain their advantage before half-time. Leon Chambers-Parillon released Omochere with a through-ball, but Hobson recovered to make an important challenge against his former club. The sides reached the interval level at 1-1.
Halifax introduced Deniche Hill for Conte at half-time, while Connor Douglas replaced Cruz Allen shortly after the hour. Conor Carty had an opportunity to put the visitors ahead in the 68th minute but shot straight at Joe Duncan. Halifax were then forced into another change when Max Bardell appeared to suffer a hamstring injury, with Mackenzie Maltby replacing him.
Southend substitute Sahid Kamara nearly created a second goal in the 73rd minute, driving towards the penalty area before sending a low ball across the face of goal that narrowly evaded Omochere. Grant later produced important saves from Kamara and Omochere as the hosts searched for a winner.
The breakthrough appeared to arrive in the 84th minute. Chambers-Parillon exchanged passes with Omochere, whose initial effort was blocked by Grant. The rebound struck Maltby and bounced into the net, with the goal officially credited as an own goal to the Halifax substitute.
Halifax equalised in the 90th minute when Douglas delivered from the left and the ball reached Trusty inside the penalty area. The midfielder struck first time beyond Duncan to earn the visitors a point, although statistical event feeds credit Carty with the assist rather than Douglas.
The equaliser came while Southend were temporarily down to ten men, with Ben Goodliffe not permitted to enter the field as the hosts attempted to complete a substitution. Dyer and goalkeeping coach Jaakkola were subsequently sent off following the controversy, leaving Southend frustrated after twice taking the lead.
Southend remained third in the National League with 28 points from 14 matches, while Halifax moved to 21 points and finished Saturday eighth. The draw extended the Shaymen’s unbeaten league run to four games and earned them their first point at Roots Hall in seven visits.
