Winless in 2014 and dismayed with the abject defensive display at Lincoln City. Neil Aspin is intent on grabbing the spoils against play-off hopefuls Salisbury City.
Just like the defeat to Lincoln, FC Halifax Town fell 3-1 to Salisbury last August, in a sorry afternoon that saw both Kevin Holsgrove and Josh Wilson sent-off. Fast forward five months and only a place and a point separates last season’s Conference North and South play-off winners.
Bearing that in mind Aspin expects a stronger defensive showing than the one witnessed at Sincil Bank:
“We know that it’ll be tough but every game is tough especially if you’re two down after nine or 10 minutes like today, then you’re obviously going struggle in any game. But at home I’d expect us to be a lot tighter and a lot better all round and we need to be if we’re going to get anything on Tuesday.”
Having conceded 50 Skrill Premier goals this term, 34 of which on the road, the Shaymen will be looking for a first clean sheet at the Shay since defeating Forest Green Rovers (1-0) just before Christmas. As the former Harrogate Town manager was quick to lambast his players for a futile display:
“Defensively we were terrible and some of the decision making at the back was woeful. We can’t come away from home and defend like that if we’re going to get a result. We’re very disappointed but we have to take it on the chin and go again on Tuesday against a Salisbury team pushing for the play-offs.”
From away day woes to Shay supremacy, a win on Tuesday evening would hand Town their 12thhome success of the campaign. A joint best home record with Cambridge United who have conceded a mere four goals at the R Costings Abbey Stadium all term.
An incentive that will see the deadly Lee Gregory gunning for his first goal since pledging his allegiance to the Calderdale side. A commitment well received by Aspin who has boundless admiration for his prize asset:
“We’re obviously delighted to have him at the Club. It’s been a difficult time for Lee because there’s been a lot of clubs reported to be interested in him without coming in with a concrete offer. We had an offer that was way off the valuation and the first offer was an insulting offer which was quite frankly laughable. His attitude is tremendous and I think he trusts me enough to know I’ll keep him in the picture.”
With Gregory boasting an impressive goal tally of 19 goals in all competitions, recent acquisition Ryan Crowther can share the goal-scoring burden after scoring a fine strike against the Imps much to Aspin’s satisfaction:
“I’m really pleased we managed to get him in. I thought he was a bright spark for us and if we can provide him with the service he will create things.”
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