Halifax 2 Altrincham 1

Alty's final Enterprise National League away game of 2025 ended in a narrow defeat against FC Halifax Town at The Shay.

A first half low on goalmouth action but high on territorial battles saw the best chance fall to Jake Cooper in stoppage time, but the centre back's left-footed effort flew wide of Sam Johnson's left hand post.

The hosts forced Luke Hutchinson into one smart save in the first 45 minutes, with the Bolton loanee down quickly to tip Cody Johnson's long range shot round the post.

Unfortunately, with four minutes gone in the second half, Halifax opened the scoring through Josh Hmami; The midfielder tapping home at the second attempt after Angelo Cappello's low left wing cross found it's way into the six yard box.

Alty's response was as quick as it was stunning. Just five minutes later Olly Crankshaw picked up the ball wide left, danced inside and out of two challenges before whipping a beautiful effort into the top corner to pull the visitors level.

There was another twist, however, when another low Cappello cross on 64 minutes was flicked towards goal by Will Harris. Hutchinson saved the effort, but Will Hugill reacted quickest to stab home the rebound from five yards.

The Robins pushed on looking for a second equaliser, especially as the game entered the final few minutes. Charlie Kirk's cross was almost converted by Dan Sassi, before two chances presented themselves right at the death.

Elliot Osborne won possession on the edge of the box and fired low, only for Johnson to parry away. Kahrel Reddin then picked up the loose ball and crossed for Kirk, but his effort was also repelled by Johnson. The Halifax skipper standing big to ensure the Boxing Day points remained in Yorkshire.

Halifax S.Johnson (c); Adetoro, Hmami, Harris (Kawa, 83'), Cappello, Smith, Bray (Wright, 71'), Warburton, Turner-Cooke, C.Johnson, Latty-Fairweather (Hugill, 10'). Subs not used: Hobson, Ford, Mills, Devonport.

Altrincham Hutchinson; Baines (c) (Sassi, 89'), Cooper, Osborne, Crankshaw, Marriott, Kosylo (Ward, 62'), Weaver (Kirk, 73'), Crawford (Reddin, 73'), Golden, Jones (Knowles, 88'). Subs not used: Gale, Beddow.

HT 0-0

Goals Hmami 49', Hugill 64' | Crankshaw 55'

Yellows Cappello 50', Warburton 90' | Kosylo 45', Crawford Cooper 90'

Reds None | None

Referee Zac Kennard-Kettle

Assistants Francis Sibley & William Vaughan

Fourth Official Robert Claussen

Attendance 1,813 (313 Away)

Next Up

We end the year with York City at The J.Davidson Stadium on Tuesday evening at 7:45pm.

Tickets are on sale here and the final few hospitality seats can be secured here.