The Shay, home of FC Halifax Town based in West Yorkshire. Nicknamed the “Shaymen” which was given to them from their home ground being called the Shay. 14th March 2020 and with all Premier League and Football League matches being postponed due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, I was limited for choice on where I could get my football fix today. 17:20 on BT Sport and the only live football match to be broadcast: FC Halifax Town Vs Ebbsfleet United. To the train station I go, train to Leeds and then Halifax and back for £11!! Railcard Army!!
Halifax looking for a place in the play-offs whereas Ebbsfleet trying to get out of the relegation zone. This would be my first visit to Halifax and with time to kill, let’s take a look around. A fantastic little town with great views! One word that came to mind: ‘Picturesque’. After all the sightseeing it was time for the match. Plenty of fans from other teams here today such as: Nottingham Forest, Preston, Leeds and Oldham to name a few.
£20 to get in to this National League tie! Get your money’s worth Halifax! If only I had a season ticket… Kick Off! Good start for Halifax who looked to try and get an early goal. 11 minutes gone and a chance for Halifax with Jack Redshaw… Save by the Ebbsfleet keeper. With all of Halifax’s possession, Ebbsfleet posed a big danger for them on the break, minutes after that attack and the ball with Ebbsfleet’s Josh Umerah, made space for the shot… OFF THE POST!! So close for Ebbsfleet there.
16 minutes gone and Jerome Binnom-Williams shielded the ball to see it out for a goal kick… But Tomi Adoleye had dispossessed him and slid it in for GOZIE UGWU… GOAL FOR EBBSFLEET!! Halifax failed to take into account the danger that Ebbsfleet caused them on the break and were no behind. Halifax responded well and took control of the rest of the first half but couldn’t find the final ball and remained behind at half time.
Second half, Ebbsfleet starting the better of the 2 sides much to the frustration of the halifax fans. The few Ebbsfleet fans enjoying themselves with one of them with a trumpet! 10 minutes into the second half and Halifax began to look the better side and starting to dominate the match. Halifax’s poor play in the final third was really making the Halifax fans angry as aimless long balls and misplaced simple passes caused the Halifax fans to shout abuse at the Halifax manager Pete Wild. “IT’S RUBBISH WILD!!” shouting Halifax fans. Halifax would ultimately fail to come close to breaking down the Ebbsfleet defence and would suffer a blow in their promotion bid.
FT: FC Halifax Town 0-1 Ebbsfleet United
Ratings
- Atmosphere: 5/10 – Halifax fans did have a drum and did use it at times but the flat performance from their team had seen the noise from them drown out, the Ebbsfleet fans were happy as Larry with the trumpet but I would call it a draw between the fans.
- The Ground: 6/10 – A decent ground in a nice area and definitely fit for the Football League should they get there one day.
- Expense: 4/10 – £20 a bit steep for National League and the game was very flat at times.
- Overall Experience: 5/10 – A flat game but I’m glad I ticked this ground off the list ultimately.
20/40
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