This was billed as the game of the round and it didn’t disappoint. United winners in 2013 began much stronger and should have gone ahead within the first ten minutes.

The frightening pace of Lee Smith was something United were having problems with and when he broke through down the left it led to the opening goal. Backed up by the busy Waller and Ozair the Hailfax forward line was having more luck than United.

As the half wore on United looked the better side and deservedly equalised though Nadir.

For a ten minute period this really did look like the early rounds of a boxing match with both sides trying to gain the upper hand.

Some great football played and very high tempo.

Then the moment that seemed to change the game. Smith broke through again but a very brave challenge by keeper Faizel stopped a certain goal. Faizel was injured in the process and United had to replace him. The referee saw the tackle as something that only warranted a yellow card though much to the disdain of United fans.

As the game wore on Halifax continued to sit back and soak up the United pressure. When they won a free-kick just outside the box – Smith stepped forward to put Halifax back in the lead. It was a pinpoint free-kick from a man obviously in great form.

United came back again and Mohammed got them level terms. United should have gone on to win this but credit to the reigning champions for sticking to their game plan. Once again they sat back and defended deep against dangerman Abdullah.

When the ball broke free one long ball found it’s way to Smith who finished it off in emphatic style. This time there was no coming back.

Man of the Match: Nilash Patel.

We very much hope goalkeeper Faizel gets better soon.