Many National League teams have boycotted the National League Cup, and Middlesbrough’s Under 21s might have wished Halifax Town were one of those clubs.
The Shaymen defeated Boro, but were second best before the break. In the second period, they found a stronger gear after half-time, turning the tide with a sharper press and decisive finishing from the bench.
Adam Lakeland’s side had to absorb heavy pressure in a frantic opening period, with Nat Ford producing a string of saves as Middlesbrough repeatedly found space down Halifax’s right. The visitors finally broke through when Sonny Finch punished a defensive slip, but the response was immediate, Jamie Cooke drilling in the equaliser before the interval. From there, Town’s composure improved markedly, and the game swung their way in the closing stages.
Shaymen ride out early storm and finish the stronger
Halifax’s plan to press high nearly paid off inside five minutes when Cooke intercepted a loose pass and teed up David Kawa, only for Owen Foster to block. Middlesbrough then took control, forcing chance after chance and drawing Ford into a fifth save inside twenty minutes. A corner flashed over by Darragh Lenihan preceded Finch’s opener, the striker finishing coolly after Halifax lost the ball in their own box.
Parity arrived quickly. Angelo Cappello’s initial effort was charged down, but Cooke reacted smartly to sweep home from the edge. That moment steadied the hosts and, after the restart, Town looked more assured in and out of possession. Kawa rattled the bar from a set-piece and forced another tip-over from Foster as Halifax began to dictate territory and tempo.
The winner came late and neatly summarised the improved second-half display. Jay Turner-Cooke, introduced from the bench, delivered a wicked free-kick and fellow substitute Owen Devonport met it first time, steering beyond Foster with a controlled finish. Halifax then managed the closing minutes soundly, restricting Boro to a single long-range effort that Ford pushed over.
There were strong individual displays throughout the spine. Centre-back Jake Griffin impressed with his recovery work and timing, while Cooke’s energy and end product were vital in shifting momentum. Cappello offered thrust down the flank and, crucially, the changes elevated Town’s level when it mattered, Turner-Cooke and Devonport combining for the decisive moment.
Writer’s View
This was an encouraging response to the weekend setback and a useful proof of concept for Lakeland’s approach. Halifax survived a choppy first half thanks to Ford, then asserted themselves through better structure and smarter pressing after the interval.
The impact of the bench was telling, and that bodes well for a busy autumn: sharper set-piece delivery, more control in build-up, and the ability to flip a game late are qualities that travel in cup and league alike.
