FC Halifax Town were held to a 0-0 draw against Gateshead in the Vanarama National League.
Aiden Rutledge had a great chance to take the lead after appearing offside, but Town keeper Sam Johnson did well to tip the ball out for a corner.
Gateshead defender Carl Magnay released a poor header which allowed midfielder Jack Hunter to intercept and try his luck from range which was narrowly wide.
Shaymen forward Aaron Cosgrave looked to win possession inside the Gateshead box but pulled down Magnay who then pulled down the Town forward with the final verdict being a free kick to the away side.
Town won a free kick from a decent range and after some chaos in the box it fell to Jamie Cooke who’s scuffed attempt barely troubled the Gateshead keeper.
Gateshead looked to fight back on the other end but was well dealt with by Town centre back Jo Cummings.
The away side looked to exploit Town’s wing back Angelo Cappello but once again managed to match pace with Thomas Allan and handled the pressure well.
There was much controversy with decisions from referee Stuart Morland as Cosgrave was sent through on goal but was taken down by Magnay who received a booking from thereferee.
Magnay went down injured and was subbed off for Kenton Richardson in the 39th minute.
The controversy only followed Morland as Luke Hannant hit a violent kick on Tylor Golden with the referee only giving the midfielder a booking which angered many across The Shay.
Billy Chadwick looked to make an impact for Gateshead but was squandered by Golden but ended up hurting himself in the process.
Adam Senior made good progress down the right-hand side and delivered a cross which was met by a hopeful shot from Cosgrave which was over the bar.
Town continued to put on the pressure with a dangerous cross from Golden narrowly missing the head of winger AndrewOluwabori.
The best chance of the game was created by the Shaymen with a diving header from Cummings being brilliantly tipped over from ‘keeper Archie Mair.
Town made a double substitution at the hour mark with Max Wright and Rob Harker being subbed on for Cosgrave and Cooke.
Hannant pushed his luck too far in the 63rd minute after another rash challenge on Golden leading to a second yellow and the inevitable red card.
Chris Millington was even added to the book from Morland a few moments later.
Hunter had a great opportunity to take the lead, but his headerwas skewed wide.
Senior also tried his luck from range moments later but was comfortably collected by the Gateshead keeper.
Town made their third and final change with Luke Summerfield being subbed on for Hunter.
Gateshead also made a change with Allan being replaced by Jordan Hunter in the 77th minute.
Gateshead made their final substitution in the 83rd minute with Rutledge being replaced by Marcus Dinanga.
The fourth official added five minutes of added time with both sides desperate to find a late winner.
In the dying moments, Summerfield played a great pass to find Harker, but he somehow missed connection and lands in the goalkeeper’s arms. A golden chance sailing by for the Shaymen.
The final whistle blew, and the game ended goalless at The Shay. A frustrating game where both sides really lacked quality in the final third.
Halifax Town will play Rochdale away from home this Saturday with a 3pm kickoff.
Match stats
1 Sam Johnson ©, 2 Tylor Golden, 7 Angelo Cappello, 5 Adam Senior, 23 Jo Cummings, 6 Jamie Stott, 8 Jack Hunter (4 Luke Summerfield 77), 12 Jack Evans, 22 Andrew Oluwabori, 19 Aaron Cosgrave (9 Rob Harker 61), 10 Jamie Cooke (17 Max Wright 61)
Subs: 3 Ryan Galvin, 16 Jordan Keane
1 Archie Mair, 2 Robbie Tinkler, 32 Carl Magnay (5 Kenton Richardson 39), 18 Joe Grayson, 7 Thomas Allan (15 Jordan Hunter 78), 19 Luke Hannant, 10 Greg Olley, 8 Ed Francis, 11 Stephen Wearne, 23 Billy Chadwick, 16 Aidan Rutledge (9 Marcus Dinanga 85)
Subs: 3 Regan Booty, 21 Connor McBride
Referee: Stuart Morland
Goals: None
Yellow Cards: Magnay 32, Hannant, 45, Cooke 55, Golden 89, Wright 90, Wearne 90, Oluwabori 90
Red Cards: Hannant 64
Attendance 1946. 231 away fans.
FC Halifax Town 0 Gateshead 0
Read more posts by Bradley ]Machabvunga
;
