Shaymen survive South Shields fightback to reach FA Cup first round

Two goals from Conor Carty and one from Max Bardell had Town in total control at half-time but South Shields gave them an almighty scare after the break with goals from Cedwyn Scott and Toby Onanaye.

But The Shaymen hung on and avoided adding South Shields - again - to their FA Cup hitlist.

Once Halifax got up and running, with Carty glancing in Connor Douglas' cross from the right after 13 minutes, South Shields looked a lot more than one division lower than Halifax. It was more like a chasm.

Bardell added a second 20 minutes in, finishing the rebound after a header was kept out by Jasper Sheik at a free-kick.

And three minutes later, Carty was at it again with a cool finish after latching onto a loose ball quicker than the sleeping South Shields defenders.

After half-an-hour, Town's ten attempts at goal was in stark contrast to South Shields not having any.

That said it all. By half-timt that was 13-0.

There were further chances for Raheem Conte and Carty before Ben Tollitt was unlucky to see his shot from 20 yards come back off the post.

It was men against boys. It was a boxing match, they'd have stopped it at half-time.

South Shields were lucky to escape into the sanctuary of the changing rooms only three down.

Tollitt had a shot parried and Cruz Allen fired over before True Grant was finally called into action after an hour, keeping out Scott's effort from close range.

The intensity levels had dropped in what was now a much more even game, and the visitors got one back through Scott with 20 minutes remaining, finishing a ball across the box at the far post.

A minute later, substitute Onanaye delivered one hell of a wake-up call with a thunderbolt from 25 yards that flew into the top corner.

Game on.

Sub Sam Ashford went close to an equaliser after a one-two with Scott, the momentum now firmly in South Shields' favour.

Shaun Hobson's header was deflected onto the post as nerves gripped The Shay and the result hung in the balance.

Only a brilliant block by Bardell prevented Adam Campbell's shot hitting the target, with Town seeing it out relatively comfortably, but certainly having to earn their place in the first round.

Halifax: Grant, Bardell, Flint, Hobson, Conte, C Johnson, Trusty, Douglas, Allen (McDermott 78), Tollitt (McDermott 78), Carty (Morgan-Smith 90). Subs not used: Johnson, Maltby, Hill, Kawa.

Scorers: Carty (13, 23), Bardell (20)

Attempts on target: 8

Attempts off target: 15

Corners: 7

South Shields: Sheik, Sykes (Emery 62), Tinkler, Mann, Dodds, Kelly (Campbell 46), Leshabela, Roles (Onanaye 46), Jones (Ashford 58), Blackett, Scott (Clegg 87). Subs not used: McGurk, Jordan.

Scorers: Scott (69), Onanaye (70)

Attempts on target: 5

Attempts off target: 4

Corners: 4

Referee: Richard Eley

Attendance: 1,307 (241 away)

Town man of the match: Has to Conor Carty with his two goals, and a very impressive all-round performance to boot.