Mighty Magpies rock Halifax (14.02.04)

UNITED went to town in Halifax on Saturday, as they stormed to an historic 2-0 win over their fully professional hosts.
In keeping with their full-time status, Halifax dominated the majority of the game and created most of the chances. Their problem seemed to be getting the ball in the back of the net.
Midfielder Craig Midgley was the biggest culprit, missing several half-chances in open play and most crucially hitting the post from the spot.
In contrast, United put up a great performance in all departments and took their chances when they came.
After a bright start by the hosts, the Magpies drew first blood on five minutes, when a diagonal ball was flicked on for Steve Hale, who struck the sweetest of half-vollies past Mark Cartwright into the bottom right-hand corner from a full 20 yards.
Further half-chances went begging, with Craig Farley seeing his free-kick well saved, while Yaku poked the ball inches wide of the upright.
The penalty came shortly before the half hour, when Midgley was upended in United’s box by skipper Brian Connor.
After dusting himself off, the normally clinical finsiher made clean contact with the ball but hit the post, and could only watch in horror as it rebounded straight to the grateful Phil Wilson, who had gone the wrong way.
It was at this point that everyone began to sense it was not going to be the Shaymen’s day.
This belief was enforced when Andy Farrell had a goal disallowed in extra time.
The young striker had followed in on a shot which was spilled by Wilson and in the ensuing scramble he managed to force the ball home.
Thankfully, the assistant referee raised his flag for offside and the goal was ruled out.
Both teams had chances in a frantic second half, with the hosts endlessly pushing forward in search of an equaliser, while United sat back and tried to absorb the pressure.
The thin black and white line was crossed on several occasions, but the Shaymen found Wilson in the form of his life, as he made one fantastic save after another.
Midgley was denied on no fewer than three seperate occasions, while Jonny Allan could hardly belive his eyes when Wilson kept his close-range effort out.
The Magpies did get the odd chance on the counter, with a well struck shot by Martyn Lee drawing a decent save from Cartwright, while goal hero Hale lifted a good ball from Lawrence Yaku over the bar.
However, the killer blow came with just a minute to go, when Yaku sprung the offside trap, leading to a one-on-one with Cartwright.
The keeper misjudged the pace of the ball and hesitated, giving Yaku the time to turn him and roll the ball into an empty net.
The striker’s trademark back-somersault was greeted by stunned silence from the sizeable home crowd – and delirious applause from the small band of travelling fans.
BBC Grandstand promptly broadcast the message: ‘Halifax Town 0, Maidenhead United 2 – Yaku (89)’ and United supporters across the country began celebrating their team’s most famous victory in living memory.

Picture: WINNING SMILES: John Dreyer, third from right in back row, lines up with his squad ahead of Saturday’s momentous 2-0 away win over Conference League opponents Halifax Town.