“Today was another tight affair and once again it was an awful first goal to concede so early on. We didn’t deal with it properly down our right-hand side and their top goal scorer (Beck) is gifted a tap in” said Heath.
Second half strikes from Beck and Scott Gillies just ten minutes after the restart meant it was an unnecessary mountain to climb in the second half per the boss.
“We managed to stay in the game and got our goal through Adam just before the break but half-time came too early for us as we were on top at that point” he claimed.
“But then in the second half we knew we’d be up against a strong wind yet we didn’t help ourselves because we gave another two poor goals away.”
“We do have a problem now and that’s teams aren’t doing a lot to score past us. We seem to switch off or make a mistake but we’ll keep pushing, we’ll keep trying to improve” he said.
Heath was faced with a selection crisis just hours before kick-off after a virus swept through the Halifax camp during the week.
“It’s an old cliché but we really did have square pegs in round holes this morning when we were looking at the selections available. When you lose three players the morning before a game it’s always going to be a challenge” said Heath.
“Liam King was forced to the bench because he was ill despite wanting to play, Danny Clarke didn’t even travel and Hibbs pulled up in a late fitness test meaning Moyo had to slot in midfield because we’re also still without Sinnott.”
These absentees (plus reserve keeper Tom Nicholson excluded from selection with illness as well) meant the side was unbalanced today according to Heath, however one man who received fair praise was Danny Hone, who made his first start for Halifax since returning from a ligament injury.
“I thought he was magnificent today. When you have been out for 6 weeks I was very impressed with how easily he slotted back into the side.
“His experience was vital at times today. What’s great about him is he’ll always go to war for you and roll his sleeves up- something we need now. Players need to stand up, be brave and work hard for each other.”
All eyes were on Christmas signing Adam Morgan, who joined Denton upfront less than 48 hours after signing an 18-month contract with the Shaymen. His two goals weren’t enough to come away with something which Heath believed should have been enough.
“The boys a talent and that’s the reason we’ve brought him here” said Heath when asked about his new addition.
“He’s had the grounding at Liverpool for a long time – you don’t stay at a club like that if you can’t play. He got two goals and gave a really good performance despite having no training with us what so ever!”
“Adam’s got the ability to start off the front but he can also come short and link things up in the pockets that defenders hate” he said.
Despite the double from Morgan, the result means it’s now eight games without a victory in all competitions. Fans have been disappointed in recent weeks given the wonderful cup performances against Dagenham and Eastleigh.
Billy and the team will be hoping to start 2017 with a victory in the reverse fixture against Darlington at the Shay on New Year’s Day.
“We’ve got games in hand heading into the new year, and looking at the league table we are still in a good position to reach the play-offs. We just need to keep believing and work hard as a team and I am confident the results will come” said Heath.
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