After Saturday’s 4-0 thrashing over former League Two outfit Barnet, Neil Aspin is hoping for a repeat performance from his players as they tackle Grimsby on Tuesday night.
Blundell Park is set to host the clash, with both sides looking to gain advantage in the race to make the play-offs. A victory could move The Shaymen above The Mariners on goal difference, whilst there could be a possibility of reaching third in the table, depending on the outcome of Braintree Town versus Gateshead.
The manager has only one thing on his mind, as he always does going into every game that Halifax face. And that is victory. Although aware that Grimsby will be a tough opposition, Aspin will lead his players in the hope of returning to Calderdale with all three points.
He said: “We’ve got to go Grimsby and try and win the game. You would be silly to think that you are going to be going away, and running out with victories like the one against Barnet, but the intention has to be positive from the start. We have got to go there and try and win the game.”
Last time round, Halifax were victorious at The Shay, winning the tie 4-0. On that Tuesday night in September, Marcus Carver opened the scoring, Dan Gardner grabbed himself a brace and Adam Smith ensured the battle was won with a goal two minutes into the second half. As things stood at that point, Grimsby were 10th in the league table, with Halifax 6th.
Many things have changed since then, including Town’s spectacular recent run of form – now eight games unbeaten, only conceded once and have earned seven clean sheets. However, in terms of the table, Grimsby have the upper hand and could further the gap to six points with the win. The manager is aware of the possible outcomes, but insists that Tuesday’s game will not mirror the scoreline from the last meeting, or that from Saturday at Barnet.
“It has got not bearing on the next game. We have played really well at home, which against Grimsby was a fantastic performance. But, away at Grimsby, they need to win to maintain their play-off push. We know it’s going to be totally different to the home game, but we are going there in good spirits.”
Simon Ainge is set to return to the Halifax setup following his two match suspension after picking up 10 yellow cards. The former Luton defender helped The Shaymen collect numerous clean sheets and victories before his absence, but his team-mates have continued the good form, giving Aspin a selection headache ahead of Tuesday’s game.
“Well you have to say that Simon Ainge was our best player for a spell before he got suspended, but I want to have some problems when picking the team. It is another player available to me, and that is good going into a busy week.”
The boss, who turned 49 on Saturday, was given a birthday treat against Barnet. A victory against Grimsby could further those celebrations and would put his side into a good position going into the final few games of the season.
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