That was the view of boss Neil Aspin who watched his side take the lead through a Steve Payne penalty, surrender it as the home side bagged two goals in a minute and then hit back to claim a 2-2 draw.

And with leaders Colwyn Bay getting thrashed 5-2 at AFC Fylde, Town are now just seven points off top spot with four games in hand.

"In the second half we could have won the game, but we could also have lost the game so you would probably say a point's not bad," said Aspin.

"If there was anywhere we would go and settle for a point this is probably one of the places and it was important that we didn't lose the game.

"The most disappointing this is that we did not see it through to half time 1-0 in front.

"It is not very often we have been sloppy like that and that would have put the onus on them.

"Skelmersdale have scored 20 goals in their last five league games so they are on form and they have some good players.

"We want to win games, but sometimes you have to take a point and I am not too disappointed."

Town's defensive efforts so far this season have seen them secure 17 clean sheets which made Skelmersdale's two goals in as many minutes all the more surprising.

"It is out of character for this season," said Aspin. "We are set up so that when we go in front we should be able to defend the lead.

"The plan certainly wasn't to be 2-1 down and chasing the game because that exposes us.

"We are not blessed with great pace at the back and Skelmersdale have pace in attack.

"It wasn't the ideal position to be in at the start of the second half, but it was down to bad defending."

The United double came not long after Town had gone in front through a Payne penalty for a foul on James Dean.

Aspin added: "I was surprised when it was awarded.

"But Paul Sykes was watching from behind the goal and said the defender had a hold of James Dean," he said.

"He said it was a penalty but it is one that you don't always get."

Dean went on to equalise before Skelmersdale had keeper Ryan McMahon red carded with 10 minutes remaining for aiming a head butt in the Town player's direction.

But they failed to put his replacement - midfielder Aaron Turner - under any real pressure.

"I don't criticise the players for not putting balls in on the keeper - we didn't get into a position to do it," he said. "The game was so bitty."

Skipper Ryan Crossley was a surprise inclusion in the Town starting line up having been ruled out 48 hours before kick off with a back problem.

And he failed to complete the 90 minutes, making way for Mark Peers at half time.
"With back injuries you can wake up in the morning and feel all right," said Aspin.

"He said he felt all right and we thought we would give it a go, especially as Mark Peers has been at his best this season when he has come on as a substitute.

"Regardless of whether Ryan was fully fit or not, I had to make the change at half time to try to get forward more."

Halifax Town Supporters Club are holding a Race Night at the Shay Hotel on Friday evening (8pm).
Race (£10) and Horse (£3) sponsorship is now available by contacting Andy Gilchrist on 07751 110597 or by e-mailing andrewgilchrist @btopenworld.com. All are welcome to attend.

Town fans wishing to travel to Guiseley for Saturday's FA Trophy third qualifying round clash can book their places now by calling 07707 143094 (after 5.30pm).
The cost will be £9 and transport leaves the Shay at 1.15pm.

Carlo Cudicini is expected to make a full recovery from injuries he sustained in a motorcycle accident last Thursday, Tottenham assistant manager Kevin Bond has revealed.
The Spurs goalkeeper fractured both wrists and injured his pelvis after his BMW superbike collided with a Ford Fiesta.