Hartlepool were undone by two set pieces as they slipped to a 2-1 defeat on Tuesday night.
Max Wright gave the Shaymen the lead when he met a corner from the right to strike through a crowd of bodies – his effort appearing to take a deflection on its way to beating Pete Jameson at his near post.
Pools weren’t behind for long, however, as Emmanuel Dieseruvwe grabbed his 10th goal of the season with an instinctive poachers finish inside the area before half-time.
But John Askey’s side were put under heavy pressure immediately from the restart as Halifax dominated the opening quarter of the second half, deservedly retaking the lead through Adam Senior.
Pools did climb back into the game and might have left West Yorkshire with a share of the spoils but for an inspired display from Sam Johnson.
And here’s how Pools fared in defeat:
1. Pete Jameson - 7
Made an excellent stop from Alli in the first half before twice denying Cosgrave well in the second half. Was beaten at his near post for the opener but it looked to have taken a deflection. Made up for one error when closing the angle enough on Alli. Photo: Frank Reid
2. Charlie Seaman - 5
Brought back into the side but struggled to really get going before being subbed. Showed some glimpses but felt like he needed a little more self-belief to really test his opposite number. Left Hendrie a little exposed in the second half. Photo: Frank Reid
3. Luke Hendrie - 6
Did well to show Alli down the line on occasion. Played an excellent ball into Seaman in the first half which should have come to more. Got away with one when robbed of possession by Alli in the second half but kept battling against a tricky customer. Photo: Frank Reid
4. Alex Lacey - 5
Continued to look a little nervy defensively with confidence likely low. Turned too easily by Cosgrave at times. Picked up a rash yellow card when lunging in. Good chance to equalise when heading wide before going off injured. Photo: Frank Reid