FC Halifax Townโs unbeaten run has come to an end after a disappointing 1-0 loss away at Alfreton Town ended the eight-game streak.
After a plethora of chances particularly in the first half went begging, manager Billy Heath has admitted he felt it was just going to be one of those games where nothing goes right for his side.
โI felt it a little bit because we were dominant in the first half. Youโre always thinking that when you create those chances in the back of your mind. Itโs disappointing because itโs obviously an opportunity tonight because itโs a game in hand over some teams but weโve just got to keep working hard and take the chances when they do come for us.โ
It truly was a game of two halves. Halifax cannot be faulted for not creating opportunities and should have taken at least a 1-0 lead into half time. The pick of the bunch came when Tom Denton rose to head a brilliant cross from Kevin Roberts but his effort was straight at Fabian Spiess in the Alfreton goal.
The second half certainly lacked the sheer number of chances that the first half and after the home side took the lead The Shaymen were guilty of trying to force the issue which was not what the manager wanted to see.
โFirst half was very good. We created a lot of chances and probably had about 80 percent possession. We played most of the game in their half but we just didnโt get the goal. Second half wasnโt right, we didnโt have as much quality as in the first. They then got the goal and defended with their lives. Iโm disappointed because in the second half we panicked and we started to go really long and didnโt build anything up at all.โ
The goal certainly was bad one to concede with the Halifax defence seemingly in control of a loose ball inside their own box before Craig Westcarr stole in ahead of the defenders to slot home. It certainly gave the team something to work on as Heath continues.
โWeโve got to be better weโve got to have better quality at times, once again we panicked and started to go long. People were trying to force things and making lots of wrong choices whereas in the first half we were making decent choices.โ
Jordan Sinnott made his return to the starting line-up for The Shaymen after a lengthy period on the side lines due to an injury sustained in December. The influential midfielder has been made appearances from the bench but this game saw him start his first game since the injury.
It wouldnโt have been the result that Sinnott would have wanted but his manager was quick to point out that he cannot be rushed back to his best after such time away from the game.
โItโs his first start for a long while and we saw some good things from Jordan, we all know his quality. Obviously, his sharpness isnโt fully there but like I said heโs had a long time off.โ
With the weekend approaching it will be time for Halifax to try and put this game behind them and try to grab three points against struggling Bradford Park Avenue.
The Shaymen have found it difficult at times to break down the teams near the bottom of the table and Heath has said it will hard work that will give his side will be facing a real test.
โIt will be difficult, itโs a difficult place to go and win games but weโve got to do better. Weโll train Thursday where weโll work hard and pick ourselves up. Weโll go to Bradford, one of the teams that are fighting for their lives, one of the teams that are scrapping for every point. So, weโve got to make sure first and foremost we work as hard as them and hopefully our qualities will come out.โ
You can watch FC Halifax Town take on Bradford Park Avenue at the Horsfall Stadium, Saturday 11thย of March. 3:00pm kick off.
Read more posts by Kelly Gilchrist