Darlington: The Win Was Very Important

FC Halifax Town recorded a 2-1 win over Darlington in the penultimate preseason fixture. Nathan Clarke spoke to Luke Davis to give his thoughts on the game.

He said: “We got the win. That was important. It was a really good test for us. Against a very well run side. Some very good players in there. So it was a good test for us. I was just glad I got certain players up to 90 minutes, to 60 minutes, to 70 minutes. Again just to keep improving the minutes for the lads.”

Darlington currently sit one league beneath the Shaymen. Clarke was pleased to play a team very similar to opposition we’ll face this season.

He said: “The Doncaster game was brilliant, but I think this was more our type of game that we’re going to be coming up against in the season. It was a good test for us and something a bit different. I’m glad Harry [Freedman] got the goal at the end there. He’s worked hard this preseason. He’s in to have a chance. It was a clever ball in and a great run as well. To get the win, I’m delighted. There’s 101 things to still work on but we’re slowly getting there. Another good week of training. I’ll look forward to the game on Saturday.”

With just two weeks left before the start of the season, Clarke feels the lads have progressed well and are in good shape for the season ahead.

He said: “I think we’ve got a really fit bunch. Which is brilliant. Everybody’s come back really on it and really wanting to do well. No one has come back overweight, or anything like that. Everybody’s had a great preseason. Obviously there has been a couple of disruptions with games and things. The lads have cracked on. It’s been brilliant for us.”

So far Town have signed four players for the upcoming season. Clarke is happy with how they have settled in and concentrated on preseason.

He said: “They’ve done really well. They’ve got on with it and worked hard. It’s been a really tough preseason with a lot of work, a lot of runs. It’s always the same coming to a new club. It’s how you find they fit in and certainly the lads who are here have welcomed them. It made it a lot easier to concentrate on the football.”

The Shaymen face Salford City next Saturday in the final preseason friendly. Clarke revealed how being the home team could help the players.

He said: “It’s another great test. I felt we performed ok against in the league last season. They’ll be on a high with the promotion. But, it’s a good test for us. Good to be at home. It’s more minutes in the tank and to perform in front of the home crowd will be massive.”