The Shaymen booked their place in the Emirates FA Cup First Round after beating Pontefract Collieries last night.
Winger Jamie Allen spoke to Shaymen TV after the match, a game that was Halifax’s second against Pontefract in as many days. After a 0-0 draw last Saturday, Town were 1-0 winners on Tuesday evening in the replay.
Allen began his post-match piece by looking ahead to the First Round Proper, where Town will host Maidenhead United. “Firstly, we are delighted to be in the First Round,” he said. “We knew tonight would be tough because Pontefract were going to comes at us, and they did that – fair play to them. But, the main thing is that we’re in the First Round, and we know what Maidenhead are going to come here and do.”
Jamie later went on to give an insight into the match up with Ponte, and compared what it was like to play the NPL Division One East side in comparison to a National League team. “You’d expect us to be a lot fitter because we’re training full time,” Allen started by saying. “In the first game at their place, Ponte were cramping up after 30 minutes – we expected that to happen today. But, it didn’t, so hats off to them because they carried on going for 90 minutes, and they put us under a a bit of pressure. But, we got the job done; it’s another clean sheet; and we’re in the next round.”
The conversation then turned its attention onto aspects of Jamie’s game – mainly his pace which caused Ponte’s back line problems. Allen’s pace was also a catalyst in the assist he made for Jack Vale’s winning goal.
“The Gaffer said to me today, that he wanted to start me for my pace,” Allen stated. “I think I caused problems in behind, but it was my first start, so it was difficult because I’m not match fit yet. Certainly not match fit at the point where I want to be, but it’s 90 minutes in the tank and hopefully, I’ll get more.”
The winger added on his hopes for more starts and game time; “Every player wants to play football and start games,” he admitted. “But, this squad is doing really well and everyone is fighting for places – the squad has good competition. I need to fight for my place, and when I get it, I need to keep it.”
Watch the FULL INTERVIEW on Shaymen TV
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