Halifax maintained their challenge for the automatic promotion place as two second-half goals proved the difference in a dismal encounter at Northwich.

Both sides lacked inspiration throughout, but Mark Monington and Phil Clarkson showed quality when it mattered to keep the Shaymen in touch with the Conference pace-setters.

Northwich striker Steve Garvey and Halifax's Brian Quailey both produced wayward long-range efforts during a scrappy opening spell.

Steve Bushell incurred the visitors' first caution for a foul on Mark Devlin.

A dire first half saw no other real opportunities and the poor standard was not helped by a couple of wild challenges which earned Garvey and Halifax forward Craig Midgley yellow cards.

Denny Ingram became the second home player booked shortly after the interval for a foul on Ian Fitzpatrick, but the game finally came to life in the 52nd minute.

Midgley swung a corner into the area and Monington was first to the ball, converting with a right-foot shot from six yards.

Northwich tried to hit back but Richard Norris' strike flew straight at goalkeeper Lee Butler, and the outcome was confirmed when Clarkson scored with a header on the hour-mark.

Northwich: Parry, Royle, Ingram, Sedgemore, Rioch, Garvey, Devlin, Norris, McNiven, Blundell, Quinn. Subs: Connett, Taylor, Tether, Griggs, Jarrett.

Halifax: Butler, Asher, Monington, Quinn, Sandwith, Bushell, Clarkson, Midgley, Killeen, Quailey, Fitzpatrick. Subs: Morgan, Neil Grayston, Senior, Ryan, Farrell.

Referee: R Lewis