FC Halifax Town make history as they reach the second round of the Emirates FA Cup for the first time in the club’s history since reforming back in 2008.
The well-deserved 2-1 victory in the replay over National League outfit Dagenham & Redbridge with Tom Denton and Matty Kosylo, who scored in the dying minutes, securing the victory for The Shaymen in a game which wasn’t short of entertainment – three disallowed goals, a red card and a missed penalty. This win sets up a tasty second round tie against another non-league side in Eastleigh.
Captain Liam King once again played another key part on this remarkable cup journey that has seen Billy Heath’s side see off Ashton Athletic, Stalybridge Celtic, Harrogate Town and now The Daggers. We spoke to the captain after the game and got his thoughts on the success.
The Daggers pushed the Shaymen all the way over the two ties but it was the National League North side who came out on top and King is delighted with the lads and has the second round tie already in his mind…
“Absolutely delighted and a great result. It’s been a tough tie over two legs and we’ve got over the line and I’m looking forward to the next game, it’s been a great occasion and we’ll just go and enjoy it.”
Alex Simmons was brought down in the Dagenham box after good play from the forward and Halifax were awarded a penalty. Jordan Sinnott missed the resulting penalty but the captain was sure it wouldn’t shift the momentum to the away side…
“No not really, it was similar to Saturday but as we said you’ve just to keep going and we did that. It got a bit scrappy second half but it’s hard to get over the line in a big game like that, but at the minute we’re finding ways to win and Kosylo’s come on with another great finish.”
Another tough draw awaits in the second round of the FA Cup against Eastleigh, ninth in the National League, after they pulled off an excellent result away at Swindon seeing off the League One side 3-1 at the County Ground. King reflects on the draw and how side will go down there full on confidence having already overcome some tough opponents to reach this stage…
“The draws have not been fair to us, some tough ones but we just keep coming through and we go down there, it’s a long trip so hopefully another overnight stay. I’m looking forward to it and it’s a great occasion, we’ve got nothing to lose down there and you never know.”
The FA Cup second round tie against Eastleigh at Ten Acres will take place on Sunday December 4th at 2pm. The Shaymen turn their attention back on the league after their cup heroics as they face an away trip to Curzon Ashton on Saturday looking to keep up their fine run of form.
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