FC Halifax Town will be heading into the crunch match against Chorley FC in the Promotion final, and striker Richard Peniket is relishing the task ahead.
After being relegated from The National League last campaign, this season has been all about a promotion back to the league. Peniket was a part of the squad last year and insists he knows the game against Chorley will be tough, but he will enjoy it.
“There is a good feeling in the camp right now. We got past a big test against Salford and we are at own place on Saturday So i think the lads are all looking forward to it. Obviously, we all know it’s going to be a tough game but one we are all looking forward to.”
The squad is not only feeling good but there is an strong and expected sense of confidence as Peniket explains.
“Yes definitely. You’ve got to be confident. We know it is going to be tough but, we are confident in what we can do and we are confident in what we can do on Saturday. Its a big advantage playing in front of our own fans and hopefully we can make that count.”
Halifax will indeed be strong favourites going into the clash. The Shaymen have already recorded two victories over Chorley this season and will be in front of their own partisan crowd.
It is a good position to be in for Halifax and it is understandable there is confidence within the squad but Peniket insists it is key for his team to approach the game without complacency.
“We don’t want to go in complacent because we know what they are about they are a big strong team and they have got some good players so it’s going to be a tough game for both teams. It might be tense it might be cagey at the start but we’ve just got to make sure we play our own game and make an impact on them. It’s going to be a tough game but one I’m confident we can see through.”
The MBi Shay Stadium is set to play host to a bumper crowd after the already impressive fanbase that attended the game against Salford City.
All the players have expressed their delight with the fans after their support this season and Peniket hopes it can be repeated.
The striker is one of the few players who have been at Halifax for a number of seasons now and already knows that The Shay has the potential to attract a huge crowd. He hopes that Saturday’s final will do just that.
“There have been a couple of occasions where I’ve played in front of a big crowd at The Shay and it really makes a difference to you. They really get behind you and it honestly does make a huge difference. It would be great to get a big crowd there on Saturday.”
Finally, it has been a season of ups and downs for Billy Heath’s men. After starting a mid-season period which saw the side drop out of the play-off spots after a number of bad results.
However, the side have since recovered and it is the sense of togetherness that Peniket chose as his highlight of the campaign.
“I think the way the lads have stuck together when we were quite a bit away from the play offs, as a team we were really together and the togetherness we have shown since then has been real highlight. It’s been new for me to be a dressing room like this where the lads have all stuck together and it’s been brilliant to see.”
You can come and watch FC Halifax Town’s massive clash against Chorley FC as The Shaymen bid for an instant return to The National League. The game will be on Saturday the 13th of May.
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