FC Halifax Town and South Shields FC clashed in an exciting FA Cup matchup at the Shay Stadium, but it was Town who ultimately advanced to the first round following an excellent 3-2 win with a brace from Connor Carty and a headed goal from Max Bardell to seal the game for the Shaymen.
The referee made an early call in the second minute, and Jordan Jones received a yellow card after a poorly timed challenge on Max Bardell.
The Shaymen broke the deadlock in the 13th minute after Connor Douglas found space on the right flank and floated a lovely ball into the box, which was met by the head of Conor Carty and guided into the top-left corner of Jasper Sheik’s net for his fifth goal of the season.
Town then quickly scored again a few minutes later following a long free-kick delivery from Cruz Allen that bobbled around the box and found its way into the path of Bardell, who headed home for his second goal of the season.
John McGrath’s side then found their third in the 22nd minute after a calamity in the south shield’s defence that left Conor Carty on goal to slot the ball with ease to the left-hand side of Jasper Sheik’s goal for his second of the match and first brace in Shaymen colours.
The next big chance of the game came in the 42nd minute when Ben Tollitt hit a beautiful strike from outside the box that crashed against the outside of the left post and away from danger.
South Shields made the first changes of the match during the half-time break as number 8 Toby Onanaye replaced number Jack Roles and Adam Campbell replaced Caden Kelly.
The Shaymen continued their good form into the second half, as Ben Tollitt struck from the edge of the box in the 46th minute, only to be met by Jasper Sheik, who made an excellent save.
The referee then handed out his second yellow card in the 52nd minute for an off-the-ball challenge from the South Shields captain, Robbie Tinkler.
South Shields tested the Halifax goalkeeper in the 60th minute when Sam Ashford played in Cedwyn Scott, who hit his shot on the spin but only into the arms of True Grant.
The visitors found a goal from nowhere in the 69th minute, as Cedwyn Scott hit the ball on the half-volley from just inside the penalty area, followed by a headed effort.
South Shields then quickly found their second moments later in hopes of a comeback when substitute Toby Onanaye stuck a perfect shot into the top right corner from 35 yards out after being assisted by Cedwyn Scott.
Town made their first two changes in the 79th minute when Will Hugill and Tommy McDermott entered the field in place of Ben Tollitt and Cruz Allen.
South Shields continued to push for an equaliser as Adam Campbell hit a shot from close range, but it was blocked by Bardell and went out for a corner.
Two-time goalscorer Conner Carty left the field in applause from the home supporters in the 93rd minute and in place of Amari Morgan-Smith.
Tommy McDermott received a yellow card in the 94th minute for simulation tactics following his claim for a penalty.
The referee then blew the whistle to confirm Town’s place in the first round of the FA Cup and end a five-goal thriller.
Onto next Saturday now for the Shaymen with an away trip to Southend United in the league, 3pm kick-off.
FC Halifax Town
33 True Grant, 2 Max Bardell, 8 Will Flint, 5 Shaun Hobson, 3 Raheem Conte, 20 Tayt Trusty, 30 Cody Johnson ©, 17 Ben Tollitt (24 Tommy McDermott 79), 27 Cruz Allen (4 Will Hugill 79), 11 Connor Douglas, 9 Conor Carty (14 Amari Morgan-Smith 90)
Subs: 1 Sam Johnson, 6 Mackenzie Maltby, 16 Deniche Hill, 22 David Kawa
South Shields
1 Jasper Sheikh, 2 Robbie Tinkler ©, 4 Cain Sykes (32 Joe Emery 63), 6 Khanya Leshabela, 7 Jordan Jones (20 Sam Ashford 58), 9 Paul Blackett, 10 Jack Roles (8 Toby Onanaye 46), 14 Ethan Mann, 19 Cedwyn Scott (25 Rio Clegg 87), 21 Caden Kelly (27 Adam Campbell 46), 29 Dan Dodds
Subs: 11 Sean McGurk, 33 Owen Jordan
Referee: Richard Eley
Goals: Carty 13, 23, Bardell 20, Scott 69, Onanaye 70
Yellow Cards: Jones 2, Tinkler 52< McDermott 90
Red Cards: None
Attendance: 1307 (241 away)
FC Halifax Town 3 South Shields 2
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