It’s now seven wins on the bounce for the Shaymen as their outstanding first half display helped them defeat FC United of Manchester 3-1 on their return to the MBi Shay Stadium.
Tom Denton clinched his 11th and 12th goals of the season, while Jordan Sinnott applied the finishing touch to a lovely team move. The Shaymen created plenty of chances in the first 45 minutes, in which the squad probably played some of the best football they’ve produced this season.
Billy Heath was delighted with the result, and so was midfielder David Lynch, who we spoke to after the game…
“First half performance was great. It’s what we’re about really; hard work. The quality we’ve got will always take care of itself. We blew them away and I think it could have been more, if we were a bit more clinical in front of goal, but you can’t really fault the first half performance. The only thing the gaffer said at halftime was about runners off throw-ins. In the second half, certainly in the midfield and certainly for myself, I was trying to chase it a little bit too much, when at 3-0 you maybe have to just sit in and let them play in front of you, instead of diving in and chasing things. But, certainly in the first half was what we’re about.”
The first half performance was definitely one that the fans were pleased with, but the second half opened up, with the visitors seeing a lot more of the ball, creating more chances and ultimately pegging a goal back via George Thomson’s low strike. Despite this slight downside to an altogether pleasing result, David is still focused on the positives…
“They’re a good side and they’ve got some good footballers. And obviously the pitch is immaculate so they are going to have spells with the ball. The gaffer just said to me personally afterwards, that I’ve got to learn that I can’t win everything, you’ve just got to let them have the ball sometimes and then when they start approaching your final third, then go and press them. But, if you look at the first half performance, it’s what we’ve been about the last seven games. It’s been about stopping the opposition first and our quality will always take care of itself. If we keep working hard and doing our jobs, I don’t fancy anybody against us.”
The result means the Shaymen now move up one place to 3rd, closing the gap between themselves and league leaders AFC Fylde who are still unbeaten. David hopes the quality of football and work ethic in the squad can keep this ascension up the league going…
“It’s a tough league, everyone has something else to give. You’ve just got to look at the results tonight, anyone can beat anybody. But, if we do our jobs and keep working hard, with the quality we have on the field; certainly in attacking areas, that will look after itself without a shadow of a doubt.”
And next up for Halifax is another home game, this time against Brackley. David is looking forward to the match, but knows the squads focus can’t slip if they are to end the game with the maximum points once again…
“Yes, definitely looking forward to the next game. When driving home, this will be gone, and then all focus on Thursday at training will be on Saturday and getting another three points. That’s what it’s about, the next game. Can’t look any further than that, just have to keep working hard, doing what we’ve done to keep us on this run and long may it continue. I’m sure the gaffer will have his ideas on what he wants to do on Saturday but nothing will change, he’ll demand the same things from us so we’ll keep going.”
FC Halifax Town return to the pitch on Saturday at 3pm when they face Brackley Town.
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