TUFC 1
(Azeez 68′)
FC Halifax Town 0
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After an extended break, United returned to action in style against Plainmoor on Saturday, as they defeated high-flying Halifax by a single goal.
It was debutant Ade Azeez who came up with crucial moment, providing his side with the ultimate reward for a performance full of heart and desire.
Boss Gary Johnson made two changes to the side that went down to a 2-1 defeat at Barrow three weeks ago, with recalled defender Gary Warren being replaced by Robbie Cundy, whilst Aaron Nemane made way for Azeez in attack.
The Gulls got into their opponents form the first whistle, with Armani Little firing a warning with a third-minute strike over the crossbar from 20 yards.
That effort was typical of Little’s early influence, and it was therefore a huge blow when he left the field through injury after just 21 minutes.
With Jake Andrews taking his place in the Torquay engine room, it took them a little while to adjust to the change in personnel, however it was The Gulls who went close again five minutes later, as Ben Whitfield sent an excellent left-footed effort just off-target with the Shaymen ‘keeper beaten.
Andrews’ set-piece accuracy was threatening to provide United with an opening, particularly during a spell of successive corners, however both sides entered the tunnels at the break with match scoreless.
With Halifax looking threatening immediately after the restart, it took some smart goalkeeping from Lucas Covolan to keep Johnson’s side level.
Few inside Plainmoor could deny that United were still well on top, however the cutting edge continued to allude them.
That all changed in the 68th minute though, with a free-kick delivery of real class opening the door.
Wide on the left, 25 yards out, Andrews floated in a tempting dead ball perfectly onto the head of skipper Asa Hall, who directed a firm header towards goal from six yards out. ‘Keeper Johnson did well to prevent the initial effort going in, however the parry fell directly into the path of the waiting Azeez, who duly rose to direct the rebound into the net.
Just as he had done nearly seven years ago, Ade had netted on his debut – and how the Yellow Army savoured the moment.
Suddenly, from hunting the decisive goal, United’s priority became keeping their clean sheet intact.
During the closing stages however, The Gulls grew in confidence and went hunting a second.
Jamie Reid, who had been well marshalled by the visiting backline, finally got free of his markers with seven minutes left to fire in a right-footed effort, which ‘keeper Johnson palmed behind.
At the other end, a tremendous, brave, double challenge by Jackson Longridge set the tone for six additional minutes, in which United’s resolve may have been tested, but it never wavered.
Never was that shown more than in the fourth minute of injury time.
A rare moment of hesitancy on the left-hand side saw Jamie Allen fire in a low threatening cross that evaded Covolan on its way to the back post, where Halifax sub Jack Redshaw was left with the goal at his mercy. Apparently out of nowhere, Ben Wynter, who had only just entered the fray himself after two months out, slid in to block the ball on the goal line, before Redshaw responded by smashing the rebound against the bar.
Johnson’s side survived, and when the final whistle followed soon after, few could argue they didn’t deserve three vital points, clinching an impressive ‘double’ over their opponents in the process.
There is a swift return to Plainmoor for Gary Johnson’s men, with the second of back-to-back home matches taking place next Saturday, with Chorley the visitors.
Another vital encounter is in store, so the Yellow Army will once again need to be in full voice – See you in seven days!
Tickets for the Chorley match are available here.
TUFC: 28. Lucas Covolan Cavagnari, 4. Kyle Cameron, 6. Joe Lewis, 8. Asa Hall (c) 9. Ade Azeez (20. Kalvin Lumbombo-Kalala, 81′), 10. Armani Little (Jake Andrews, 23′), 17. Connor Lemonheigh-Evans, 19. Jamie Reid, 22. Jackson Longridge, 25. Robbie Cundy, 34. Ben Whitfield (2. Ben Wynter, 90+2′). SUBS NOT USED: 1. Shaun MacDonald, 30. Aaron Nemane.
Yellow Card: Andrews (44′)
FC Halifax Town: 1. Sam Johnson, 4. Nathan Clarke, 5. Matty Brown (c), 10. Cameron King (23. Jack Redshaw, 75′), 11. Tobi Sho-Silva, 14. Josh Staunton, 16. Jacob Hanson, 21. Danny Williams, 22. Charlie Cooper, 31. Niall Maher, 35. Devante Rodney (7. Jamie Allen, 75′). SUBS NOT USED: 12. Will Appleyard, 3. Jerome Binnon-Williams, 6. Liam Nolan.
Yellow Card: Williams (44′)
Attendance: 2,053 (153 away)