Halifax Town 1-2 Man City

City's Shaun Goater and Halifax Town's Paul Harsley

Kevin Horlock saved Manchester City's blushes as Kevin Keegan made his long-awaited return to club management.

Horlock's deflected free-kick winner three minutes from time gave Keegan's new charges a 2-1 victory over the Third Division club.

But it was no easy ride for First Division City after Halifax trialist Mark Roberts scored after 75 minutes.

There is certainly enough ability in this squad to get the club get back into the Premiership

Stuart Pearce

The former Falkirk striker took a through-ball in his stride before lashing a shot into the roof of Carlo Nash's net.

Darren Huckerby levelled three minutes later with a cool finish past goalkeeper Peter Crookes.

And Roberts forced Nash into a fine save seconds later. The early part of the contest was more notable for debut appearances of City new boys Stuart Pearce and Australian captain Simon Colosimo.

Halifax spent the first half on the back foot soaking up the visitors' pressure with Laurent Charvet, Pearce and Shaun Goater all going close.

The second half saw a new-look City with 10 changes, including Colosimo.

As Halifax gained in confidence, skipper Neil Redfearn was inches over from the edge of the box and Roberts just missed the target with a chip after Nash's foray out of his area.