FC Halifax Town fell to a late defeat at home to Sutton United after an injury time winner from Craig Eastmond.
Eastmond’s first time shot was enough to send Sutton home with three points as the Shaymen failed to equalise.
Following a slow start to the game, the first chance fell to Matty Kosylo. After beating his man, he fired a low shot towards goal, but Jamie Butler did well to parry it wide.
Sutton had their first chance six minutes later when a free kick was floated in. Brandon Thomas-Asante won the header, but his shot went wide of the mark.
With the number of fouls mounting, Halifax were given two yellow cards with Kosylo receiving the first after a late challenge, and Sanmi Odelusi getting the second after a high challenge on Jamie Collins.
Just before half time Ian Baird, who was standing in for Paul Doswell, was sent to the stands after dissent towards the officials. Baird was unhappy with one of Marc Edwards’ decisions and let his feelings be known.
With the scores level at half-time Sutton were the first to come close. A brief goal-mouth scramble was eventually cleared away.
Halifax had the better chances as they upped the pressure. A cross from Ben Tomlinson was met in the middle by Kosylo but his header glanced wide.
More off field action as one linesman picked up an injury and had to be replaced by fourth official Daniel Guest which resulted in a long delay.
Despite continuing Halifax pressure, Sutton created a good chance which saw a first time shot from Eastmond, but it was an easy save for Sam Johnson.
With the number of dangerous tackles increasing, the referee was forced into brandishing yellow cards for Kenny Davis and Brett Williams. As well as a third for Halifax as James Ferry went into the book.
Sutton broke the deadlock three minutes into added time as a low ball was fired across the box. No Halifax players could get to the ball and Eastmond hit a first-time shot that beat Johnson and went into the bottom corner.
With only two minutes left to play, Town had no time and fell to defeat. The Shaymen will look ahead to the Boxing Day fixture as travel to Yorkshire rivals Harrogate Town.
My man of the match: Jacob Hanson
FC Halifax Town: 1 Sam Johnson, 3 Ryan Sellers, 4 Nathan Clarke, 5 Matty Brown (c), 7 Matty Kosylo, 9 Dayle Southwell (78′ Jonathan Edwards), 11 Sanmi Odelusi (70′ Ben Tomlinson), 19 Jordan Preston, 25 James Ferry, 31 Niall Maher, 40 Jacob Hanson
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