The weekend is almost upon us, when FC Halifax Town look to get back into winning ways and back into the playoff hunt against Stalybridge. The Greater Manchester outfit are currently 23rd in the league and battling relegation, with two previous visits to the Shay both resulting in defeats, in the league and FA Cup.
Stalybridge supporter Darren Archer has been watching the team regularly for over a decade, and keeps a positive stance looking ahead to a tough fixture.
“It’s no lie that it has been a struggle for the majority of this season, and if I’m correct we have just one win in our last 12 games. But now we’re over the Christmas schedule and looking firstly to grind our way out of the mire.”
Billy Heath’s men won 1-0 against Stalybridge back in September in the Vanarama North, before a 2-1 victory in the FA Cup qualifying rounds, so hopeful Darren is keeping a high head going into the game that his side can come back with a vengeance.
“It has certainly been tough, and was a bitter pill to swallow with Halifax knocking us out the Cup – you always want to have a good time building a cup run. We were disappointing in the FA Trophy this season too [a 3-2 home replay defeat to Stocksbridge Park Steels].
“The league has always been the priority, though, and it is our 100% focus now. I’m confident we can get a result, what with Halifax leaking a few goals of late.”
Having been to the Shay for Halifax’s home match with Eastleigh in the FA Cup, along with the two matches between the two clubs this season, Darren has been able to identify the Shaymen’s primary threats.
“Your lad in midfield, Jordan Sinnott, is very good going forward – and the big man up front Tom Denton is going to be a tough match for any defender.
“It’s no doubt also that Adam Morgan is in great form, and showing why he played in the Liverpool first team some years back.”
Balancing his confidence and the comparison of the two teams’ league positions, Darren has punted for the sides to share the spoils in Greater Manchester on Saturday afternoon.
“I’ll go for 1-1,” he predicted.
“Our top scorer Chippendale will notch for us, he’s played very well this season and we need to keep hold of him, he has serious quality; I think Morgan carry on his run and grab one for Halifax.”
We thank Darren for his views ahead of the match.
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