Relegated Halifax made the perfect start in their quest for a quick return to the Nationwide League with a convincing home win over Telford.

Town went ahead in the 26th minute through Steve Kerrigan's header and doubled their advantage just before the break from Craig Midgley's penalty.

Telford could have taken the lead themselves just before the home side broke the deadlock but Kevin Jobling headed wide from six yards.

Kerrigan made no mistake at the other end, however, burying his effort in the net from Sean McAuley's corner.

The visitors had chances to get themselves back into the game with Steve Palmer seeing his shot superbly tipped round the post by Lee Butler, but Halifax again hit back to double their advantage.

Telford defender Ashley Wooliscroft brought down Ian Fitzpatrick in the area and Midgley slotted home the resulting spot-kick.

Peter Smith should have brought the Bucks back into the game shortly after the restart but his close-range strike was gathered by Butler.

Halifax should have added to their tally in the closing stages as Phil Clarkson's sweetly-struck volley grazed the crossbar and Andy Farrell forced a fine save from Paul Edwards.

Halifax: Butler, McAuley, Haigh, Stoneman, Asher, Fitzpatrick, Bushell, Clarkson, Mallon, Midgley, Kerrigan. Subs: Morgan, Neil Grayston, Elliott, Farrell, Parke.

Telford: Edwards, Hanmer, Bloomer, Brown, Foran, Wooliscroft, Palmer, Jobling, Scott, Lormor, Smith. Subs: King, Spink, Moore, Davies, Jones.

Referee: D Foster (Newcastle)