FC Halifax Town recorded a strong end to the 2018-19 season after a 2-0 win away to AFC Fylde. Manager Jamie Fullarton gave us his thoughts.
He said: “Delighted with the performance. Slightly disappointed that we didn’t score more goals. We created very good opportunities and the lad’s attitude and application was exactly as it has been throughout the season.”
Town netted a quickfire double courtesy of Matty Brown and an own goal from Arlen Birch. Fullarton doesn’t care how the goals go in but feels we could have had more.
He said: “There’s no such thing as a bad goal. We created better opportunities in the second half. It would have been nicer for us to score three or four with the clear-cut opportunities that we had. The cross for the own goal had to be cut out as Devante Rodney was waiting to tap in. It’s pleasing to have two goal scorers. Away from home against a team in the playoffs, it was good to get another clean sheet.”
Town had an effort ruled out for offside. Jordan Preston fired a free kick into the box to find Nathan Clarke who headed across goal and was headed home by Niall Maher. Fullarton was a bit disappointed that we didn’t convert more.
He said: “In the second half we had some clear-cut chances. Because of the standards recently in terms of converting chances it was a bit disappointing.”
Town recorded their 18th clean sheet of the season. A stat Fullarton is happy to have considering the changes we have had to make.
He said: “We made some changes today. Some forced changes due to injury and the amount of games people have played. What was important was how we approached the game. How we managed the game. I felt we did that very well today.”
Town have lost just once to a top six side this season. The only loss coming back in August. Fullarton believes that results against the other teams must be equal to those at the top.
He said: “We look at the teams around us and the performances as well as the results. Against the top seven we have done well. Improving against those around us is what we’ll strive for next season.”
FC Halifax Town have recorded a 16th place finish in the Vanarama National League. The same as least but with three more points this time. Fullarton is pleased to see progress and feels that having a strong squad will prevent future issues.
He said: “The performances in recent weeks has reflected the steady progression. The beginning of the season was particularly good then the difficult October-November period. However, during that time we had 12 or 13 players at the time. It has demonstrated the importance of having a strong group and squad to prevent injuries from impacting the performances and results.”
There is just over two months until preseason, but Fullarton has already started work.
He said: “The work never stops. There’s a shift of priority. The manager works 52 weeks a year, seven days a week. Whether it’s on the training pitch or the office or elsewhere, it’s full on. The snapshot on Saturday is what you’re judged on. Preparation over the Summer gives us a chance to improve performances and results.”
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