Play-off heartbreak
A pulsating Conference play-off ended in heartbreak and no-little controversy for Grays, who recovered from a nervy start and conceding an early goal to play full part in a memorable match.
The momentum finally seemed to be swinging the Blues’ way after two goals in two minutes had put them on level terms with the Shaymen, but Cameron Mawer was adjudged to have committed the foul that lead to the tie’s decisive goal.
His somewhat reckless challenge on Lewis Killeen was probably necessary as the Halifax player was bearing down on goal but the Sky TV cameras showed he had made only the slightest, if any contact, with Killeen.
However, man-of-the-match Martin Foster sent Ashley Bayes the wrong way with the spot kick.
It was to be the fateful moment in a nine-goal thriller over the two legs, though a thriller hardly looked like what we were in for in the opening exchanges after Halifax brought a one-goal lead to the New Rec.
On eight minutes, Halifax worked the ball forward an unmarked skipper and former Leeds youngster Foster produced a terrific curling strike from the angle of the box, the ball eluding the dive of Ashley Bayes.
Manager Mark Stimson delivered his team talk then came out to whip up the home supporters in a crowd of 2,886 into raising the passion levels but the opening moments of the second half were anxious for Grays as their need to push forward left them vulnerable at the back.
But on 55 minutes they started from deep with a great ball from Thurgood to Oli and he whipped in a fine cross that was met close to the far post by Kightly, who had worked so hard to get there, and he was rewarded for his efforts with a stooping header.
And things got even better just two minutes later when Thurgood was fouled and from the ball driven into a crowded box. Kennedy flapped at it and the alert John Nutter reacted first to side-foot volley the ball home from close range for this first goal of the season.
However things turned again in Halifax’s favour just a couple of minutes later when Grays were caught napping at the back and Mawer’s late challenge just inside the box ended with Killeen sprawling across the turf.
Despite late pressure, Halifax held on to earn a trip to the Walkers Stadium where they will be just 90 minutes away from a return to the Football League after four years’ absence.
Thanks to the Thurrock Gazette for the match report
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