FC Halifax Town’s remarkable run of form is put on the line against Macclesfield on Saturday, against an opponent that fought back from two goals down at Moss Side back in August. Manager Neil Aspin has called on the people of Halifax and the surrounding area to fill Shay Stadium and cheer his side on to a potential playoff berth, as the team holds its fate in their own hands.
Speaking to Shaymen Player, Aspin said: “It’s vitally important for fans to turn up and cheer us into the playoffs because no game is easy; no game is easy especially when the pressure is on and you’re near the line. That’s the same in any sport; it can be difficult regardless of the opponent.”
The manager, who celebrated his birthday in the wake of the 4-0 victory over Barnet at the weekend, has drawn on a Premier League example for Town fans to follow: “You only have to look at Liverpool with their support, not that I’m expecting 40,000 at the Shay, but certainly their passion and what they create in terms of atmosphere has carried them in these games.”
It took Halifax until December 14th to register their first league victory on the road, against Dartford, and at times it seemed as though that the elusive three points on their travels may never arrive for Shaymen fans, but a run of five consecutive wins has seen an increase in away support, with nearly 500 making the trip to Grimsby on Tuesday, and Aspin hopes that in light of the good run, and just one defeat at home all season will see home crowds follow suit: “We’ve generated more support on our travels,” he said, “and now if we can get more supporters in our ground for the home games to help us over the line it’ll all help.”
Town will be forced into one change on Saturday as James Bolton is ineligible to face his parent club, but Aspin wasn’t going to be drawn on who might replace him: “There’s nothing we can do about Bolton being out, but we’ll have to see. I’ve got a decision to make so I’ll give it a lot of thought.”
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