The former Nottingham Forest frontman fired home from an Ashley Stott cross just five minutes after coming off the bench to add to Steve Payne's historic first-half opener.

And that rendered Billy McCartney's late headed goal for Trafford meaningless, although it did set up a nervy last five minutes.
Jim Vince had asked for a reaction following Saturday's disappointing defeat in the home opener.

And he got one as Town dominated the first half of the game, playing some flowing football on occasions.

Justin Walker and Jonathan Smith worked well together in the middle of the park while newcomer Craig Smith put in an impressive stint in attack and defence on the left.

And the evidence that things are going to get better with each game was there for all to see.

Town almost got the perfect start when Craig Smith's magnificent diagonal ball reached Neil Ross inside the area. He guided his shot past the keeper only for a defender to get back and clear.

And when Tom Harban squared for Jonathan Smith soon after, the midfielder tested home keeper Tom Read from distance, Read equal to the task as he tipped the ball over the bar.

Payne blocked a couple of Trafford shots at the other end, first from Scott Metcalfe then from Scott Barlow.

But Town kept pushing forward with Read saving from a Junior Brown free kick before blocking Ashley Stott's effort from the left.

Phil Senior, in for Craig Mawson, saved well from Chris Mackay who fired in a shot from the edge of the area.

But it was the Shaymen who broke the deadlock in the 26th minute from a free kick.

Walker's delivery was headed back across goal by Lincoln Adams, then towards the target by Ross.

Trafford's defence struggled to clear under pressure and skipper Payne thrust out a leg and stabbed the ball home.

The home side responded positively, Gareth Thomas firing just over from 25 yards and Adams having to head a Mackay free kick behind for a corner.

But Halifax ended the first half strongly and were unlucky not to double their advantage.

Ross Clegg fired wide from distance before they had the ball in the back of the net for a second time when Junior Brown fired home.

But his close range tap in following a Ross knock down from Craig Smith's cross was deemed offside.

And within a couple of minutes Clegg's cross field run enabled Jonathan Smith to send in a curling shot that flew narrowly wide.

Having ended the first half so well, Town found themselves being pinned back after the break.

When Senior only parried a Leon Grandison shot, Andy Lundy pounced only to send his shot across goal and wide.

Grandison sent a shot of his own wide soon after and Senior produced a stunning flying save to his right to keep out a Mackay free kick.

Town had their opportunities, notably when Stott's shot came back to Jonathan Smith who was unable to reach the rebound.

And they doubled their advantage in the 72nd minute after Jonathan Smith had released Stott down the left.

The striker beat Trafford right back Simon Woodford before pulling the ball back and Jemson slid in to send it into the far corner of the net.

Barlow fired wide as the home side looked for a way back in and they pulled a goal back with eight minutes remaining, McCartney heading home a Gareth Thomas free kick from close range.

Town fans' hearts were in their mouths in injury time when Grandison blasted inches wide from the edge of the area in stoppage time.
But there was still time for another Halifax chance, Adam Morning jinking his way through from halfway before sending a shot over the top.

Star Shayman
Jonathan Smith produced his full range of passes in an impressive display in the centre of midfield.
It was his ball over the top, for Ashley Stott to run on to, that began the move for Town's all-important second goal.
And he almost bagged one himself in the first half with a fizzing shot that curled narrowly wide.
Jonathan's brother Craig also shone on his debut, barely 24 hours after agreeing to join the club.
He came in at left back but his first contribution was in an attacking sense as he sent a magnificent diagonal ball forward for Neil Ross who almost scored inside the opening couple of minutes.
Phil Senior was handed a chance in goal and did well on his debut with the save to deny Chris Mackay from a free kick on the edge of the area right out of the top drawer.
Jonathan Smith takes the three points on offer in our season-long competition with Chris taking two and Senior one

Match facts
FC Halifax Town: Senior, Harban, C Smith, Payne, Adams, Clegg, Walker (Morning 80), J Smith, Brown, Stott (Proffitt 72), Ross (Jemson 67). Subs (not used): Hinsley, Mawson
Booked: Walker (foul 62)
Sent-off: None
Goals: Payne 26, Jemson 72

Trafford: Read, Woodford, Halligan, Southwood, McCartney, Thomas, Mackay (Mitten 75), Winter, Lundy, Barlow, Metcalce (Grandison 41). Subs (not used): Coppin, Depeiaza, Rooney.
Booked: None
Sent-off: None
Goal: McCartney 81

Attendance: 497
Referee: R Pollock

Player points
J Smith 3, Payne 3, Adams 2, C Smith 2, Stott 1, Senior 1.

Your say
Good performance bring on Lancaster- the taxman