Preston on target to send Halifax top of National League table

Posted Tuesday, August 28, 2018 by PA

Jordan Preston scored the only goal against his former club as FC Halifax moved top of the National League table with a 1-0 win against Gateshead.

Forward Preston, signed from Gateshead in June, struck just before half-time to ensure Halifax maintained their 100 per cent home record this season.

Halifax dominated the first half. Ben Tomlinson headed new loan signing Joe Skarz’s early cross wide and Dayle Southwell’s half-volley was well saved by visiting goalkeeper Aynsley Pears.

Gateshead’s best first-half chance fell to former Halifax striker Scott Boden, but his effort was turned away by goalkeeper Sam Johnson.

Halifax continued to press and broke the deadlock in the 44th minute when Preston raced on to Matty Kosylo’s pass and slid the ball beneath Pears with a neat finish.

Gateshead made a stronger start to the second period, but Jack Hunter scuffed his shot from the edge of the penalty area and Johnson easily saved.

Johnson held JJ O’Donnell’s bouncing free-kick and Boden just failed to connect with Greg Olley’s cross at the far post, but Halifax finished strongly to register their fourth straight win at the Shay.