The defender insists the club cannot ease up on Saturday against Curzon Ashton, with three points all but guaranteeing their place in the National League North Play-Offs.
The weekend will mark the final league fixture of the season at the MBI Shay, with Garner hoping to go out on a bang in front of the home crowd. The team couldn’t be better placed after a resounding 3-0 victory away at Harrogate on Bank Holiday Monday.
“We were unlucky against Fylde and in a way that result spurred us on. We knew we’d played well and didn’t we get what we deserved but we certainly resolved that on Monday” said Garner.
The inclusion of Dion Charles and Matty Kosylo on the wings brought creativity, energy and flair to Town’s line-up, whilst also providing the cutting edge that was lacking against the league leaders.
Garner admitted he’s been surprised upon reflection how well the Shaymen have performed on artificial turfs this season- singling out Charles and Kosylo as players who thrive on the surface.
“They looked a class above at times and were roasting their full-backs throughout the game. Jordan Sinnott was also outstanding I thought – his range of passing was frightening” said Garner.
The victory at Harrogate was the first time we’ve seen the pair occupy the Shaymen flanks, something many have been itching to see in action since the arrival of Charles. The team appears to have hit form at the right point in the season- something Garner signalled out, as the squad appear to be showing strength across all areas of the pitch.
“That’s something you have to praise the manager for. To come down last year and recruit players, get the team able to come back up straight away is impressive” said the defender.
Greater Threat
Garner insists the team are a ‘different animal’ to the side that faced Curzon back in November. Arguably one of the strangest games of the campaign, the Shaymen were hit with a bizarre 4-2 victory despite seeing Ashton conclude the game with eight men.
“That game came out of the blue as we were in great form until then. I can’t picture that happening again –we don’t concede many and play some exciting football now, whilst needing to play possession football or long-ball when required.”
Togetherness
Concluding Saturday’s game will be the Player of The Season awards evening. Speaking to Garner ahead of this, he was quick to praise the team for the effort they’ve shown this season whilst praising the strong team spirit in the camp.
“It should be a great evening and it’s nice to see players collect accolades. A team I think we’ve been great this season. Of course, there have been some up and downs but what’s been key for us is that we’ve all stuck together – no one has turned against each other and hopefully it’s looking like it’s all going to pay off” Garner believed.
Garner’s Pick
“I went with Josh Wilde for my player of the season. He’s played virtually every game and been so consistent for us. To come into a club in his first season and do that deserves top praise and he’s a great guy.
My Season
Since joining from Boston United in the summer, Garner has been a formidable force at the heart of Halifax’s defence all season. He’s been the figure head of the defence- seeing many changes occur around him with several defensive partnerships appearing this season – yet Garner has virtually kept his place. It’s always quick to point to the front men for Player of The Season, but he’s a strong contender for Player of the Season.
“I feel like my performances have been consistent this season and have played most the campaign. After three seasons at Boston fighting in the play-offs I hope to go one better this time round in my first year with Halifax” Garner concluded.
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