Late penalty steals the win from DCFC

AFC Halifax 5 vs 5 DCFC

Saturday 10th April 2010


A poor referee decision gifted Halifax a late penalty to steal the win from DCFC.

Dave King made what looked to everyone to be a good tackle in the area, clearing the ball however the referee deemed the tackle a foul and awarded a penalty with only 2 minutes left to play in an enthralling match.

DCFC started slowly and AFC Halifax domintaed the game and took the lead on 5 mins. a good through ball lead to the striker being 1 on 1 with Gardner in goal and he cooly slotted home.

The goal seemed to spark DCFC int life and Allen Jones had an effort well saved by the 'keeper.

They continued to press and after a succession of corners got their reward with a well driven equaliser from Hutchinson.

The game began to become open and DCFC had chances through Lambe, who headed the ball straight at the 'keeper from a Hutchinson corner and Allen Jones firing wide.

DCFC were made to pay for their profligacy in fron of goal as a swift counter saw Halifax take a 2-1 lead, the ball being fired home from close range.

Soonafter it was 3-1 as a mistake from Allen Holliday allowed the ball to go over his head from a free kick into the path of the striker who made no mistake.

DCFC should have been awarded a penalty after Jones had a headed effort stopped on the line by the Halifax Right back, who clearly used his hand to stop the ball and we were to later find out from him that the ball was actually over the line. The referee did not see either.

Just before the break DCFC got themselves back into the game, Allen Jones beating the right back before firing an effort past the Halifax 'keeper.


HT 3-2


DCFC started the 2nd half knowing they needed to score the next goal. They were pressing from the off, with Andy Evans and Allen Jones giving the defence a torrid time.

The equaliser came 10 minutes into the 2nd half,a superb ball from Steve Mace was controlled and then slammed into the top of the net by Dolan.

DCFC were rampant at this point and started building the chances. Stef Lambe somehow managed to fire over from 2 yards after some good work by Jones on the left. He made amends however 5 minutes later, heading home from a Hutchinson throw to give DCFC a 4-3 lead.

Hutchinson almost grabbed his 2nd hitting his volley over the bar from a Jones knock-down.

Allen Jones was guilty of not passing the ball when well placed. He had done brilliantly to beat 2 players on the left and cut inside. With Dolan, Lambe and Evans queuing up, he took on the shot from a tight angle, which the 'keeper saved.

The Halifax 'keeper was again called into acton after Lambe put in Jones with the outside of his foot but the 'keeper pushed the shot wide for a corner.

DCFC were then made to suffer for not taking their chances as Halifax were awarded a penalty. Dave King looked to have won the ball, but the referee disagreed. However there was a large divet where the tackle had taken place - OUTSIDE the box. The referee maintained his award of a penalty which was cooly slotted home by the No. 9 for Halifax.

The referee did get one penalty decision right. Andrew Evans was taken out by the Halifax left back in the box. Ash Dolan took the penalty and drove the ball to the 'keeper's left for 4-5.

The referee was at it again with 2 minutes to go. Halifax were very fortunate to be awarded a penalty when King made a good tackle but they were not going to turn the opportunity to save the game down and the No.9 put the ball in the opposite corner to his 1st and the game ended 5-5.

Team 4-4-2

Gardner

Robinson
Mace ©
Allen Holliday
King

Evans
Andy Holliday
Hutchinson
Jones

Lambe
Dolan

MOTM awarded by Halifax to Allen Jones.