It might be hard to eke out the usual amount of content for an article from this one. This was the first 0-0 I’ve seem live in literally years. It was an unfamiliar, almost unsettling feeling coming away from the ground at full time. We always win at home now, don’t we?
Despite the scoreline, there have undoubtedly been many worse goalless draws endured. Halifax are known for their defensive solidity, but also for being a little toothless in attack and there was always a danger it may end this way. The Wardrobe called 0-0 in midweek, even sharing the betting odds amongst our group, but no one acted on this. A fruitless afternoon all round.
It would be fair to say the game took a while to come to life. The first half was not a great watch, with chances few and far between. Harry Pritchard tested their keeper with a powerful effort from outside the box, but the save was fairly comfortable. There was no obvious way through and a number of our more dynamic individuals for such a situation, were not at their sharpest.
Halifax had showed some intent going forward but failed to conjure anything meaningful. However, late in the first half they were given a huge opportunity from the penalty spot.
It looked to be a very, very soft one. There was a delay in the whistle and it appeared to be the linesman on our side that made the call.
Without the benefit of seeing the replay yet, nothing can be ruled out. Although what is fair to say is that it felt an inconsistent call given some of the out and out wrestling and shirt pulling going on elsewhere, throughout the game. More on the officiating to come.
Laurie Walker has not had the start to this campaign to match the heights of the previous - but perhaps this was his turning point. A fine penalty save, down low to his left at full stretch saw the scores remain level. The bloke loves a penalty save. A big boost for his confidence and a reminder of just how key he is.
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