FC Halifax & Spennymoor Triumph In Delayed FA Trophy Ties

On paper at least, Macclesfield Town, the current leaders of the Vanarama National League, were favourites going into their tie at The Shay against an FC Halifax Town outfit sitting sixteenth in the same division.

But it`s cup football, and the Silkmen, beaten 3-2 at Wembley by York City last May, bowed out of this season`s competition, thanks to a single goal.

What proved to be the Shaymen`s winner came after 37 minutes when Josh MacDonald`s cross found the head of Matty Kosylo to put the Yorkshire side ahead from close range.

That goal proved to be the difference and FC Halifax will now be at home to another league rival, Maidenhead United, on Saturday.

National League rivals Spennymoor Town and Gainsborough Trinity finally managed to complete their tie at the fifth time of asking!

After three postponements because of the weather, Trinity, who are currently second-bottom, matched fourth-placed Moors in a thrilling 4-4 draw.

Spennymoor took a 14th minute lead through David Foley, but 4 minutes later Ashley Worsfold pulled the visitors back on level terms.

The home side restored their lead in the 28th minute through Mark Anderson only for Curtis Bateson to level again within 3 minutes.

Spennymoor hit the post at the start of the second period and were also denied by fine saves from Trinity keeper Henrich Ravas.

Worsfold struck again in the 66th minute to give the visitors the lead for the first time.

But 4 minutes from time, Ryan Hall’s fine 25-yard effort forced extra-time.

And within 3 minutes Glen Taylor made it 4-3 to Spennymoor.

Trinity pulled back level yet again in the 97th minute through Alex Simmons to make it 4-4.

And that`s how it stayed, meaning a penalty shoot-out which Spennymoor triumphed in 5-3.

Spennymoor now host National League side Solihull Moors on Saturday.