FC Halifax Town frontman Tom Denton heaped praise on FC Halifax Town, after The Shaymen’s memorable 3-0 demolition of promotion-hopefuls Leyton Orient at the Match Room Stadium to go second in the National League standings.
An early Adam Morgan strike was complemented by Denton’s forceful far post header, firing Town into a commanding advantage as the half-time whistle sounded.
Halifax didn’t have complete control however, with some hesitant Orient finishing from close-range, the width of a post and a pair of fine saves from Sam Johnson all contributing to The Shaymen holding the home side scoreless.
A lightning counter-attack in the second half after soaking up Orient pressure saw Denton burst into the box before earning a penalty after being hauled to the ground. Matty Kosylo converted from the spot to cap a brilliant team performance as Town maintained their unbeaten away record, having yet to concede on the road.
A delighted Denton hailed the team’s efforts post-match, noting Town’s tenacious defensive display in the opening minutes to soak up Orient’s early pressure as a key period in the match.
“It was a good performance in the end, they had a great spell in the opening 10 minutes, but we rode it out,” Denton said.
“We scored two good goals in the first half, scored a penalty towards the end and claimed a good three points.”
Despite the home team’s impressive attacking onslaught to begin proceedings, The Shaymen grew in confidence after Morgan’s thunderous finish, peppering the Orient box and carving apart the opposition with ease.
Town’s relentless and aggressive pressure eventually paid dividends, with Denton rising highest at the far post, connecting with a searching free-kick and guided an emphatic header beyond the hapless Charlie Granger.
Denton’s fourth goal of the campaign was also his first away from home, and encapsulated Billy Heath’s attacking philosophy, with The Shaymen oozing quality in the final third throughout against tough opposition.
Having created so many chances in the first-half, Denton asserted that Halifax could’ve taken an even bigger lead into the interval.
“We launched wave after wave of attacks at Orient, especially in the first half, and could’ve been more the two goals ahead at half-time.”
With both teams having plenty of chances in an end-to-end affair, it was Town who proved the most clinical, making the most of their first-half opportunities before putting Orient away with a calm and confident second-half display.
As one of the most daunting and difficult teams to face on the road in the division, Denton hadn’t expected such a dominant performance against a team who had yet to taste defeat at home.
“Being entirely honest, we’d have taken a draw before the game, but to come here and get a three-nil win is fantastic.”
Despite Orient’s late pressure turning the Match Room Stadium into a cauldron of sound in support of The O’s, Denton asserted that Town’s confidence and belief was more than enough to counter an intimidating home crowd.
“Obviously you like to play in front of as many people as you can, but at the end of the day you’ve got a job to do. You’ve got to come to places like this and play well, it’s a massive win.”
Denton and FC Halifax Town will be hoping to extend their unbeaten run and challenge for top spot in the National League on Saturday away to Dagenham and Redbridge, who’ll be eager to bounce back from consecutive league defeats.
Watch the full interview on Shaymen TV.
Read more posts by FC Halifax Town
;
