FC Halifax Town defender Scott Garner admits the hard work is being rewarded after two stellar performances heading into Saturday’s FA Cup tie against Stalybridge Celtic.
The goals have returned to Billy Heath’s side – Tom Denton was back amongst the goals and a double from loan striker Alex Simmons helped FC Halifax Town to a comfortable 4-0 victory against Bradford Park Avenue last time out.
But more importantly from Garner’s perspective the defence has tightened up too in recent outings, with consecutive clean sheets for the first time this season.
“We went 3-0 up quite early against Bradford Park Avenue which settled everyone down, but we were so determined throughout the game to keep the clean sheet” said Garner.
“We kept telling ourselves to stay focus as sometimes when you get such a commanding lead so early on you can be complacent but we were on the case to make sure that we got the clean sheet and it is great to see them coming in on a consistent basis” Garner added.
The team has come under heavy criticism at times over the last weeks in regards to goals conceded, in particular away at Gainsborough Trinity in a disappointing 3-2 defeat. Garner believes the whole team should be credited for turning the form around.
“At the start of the season I think most teams we faced were only having one or two chances in a game and were scoring from them which was causing huge frustration in the camp,” said the defender.
“Personally, I believe nothing’s changed in terms of the number of chances that the opposition is creating. They are still only having a few but the difference I guess is that these are now only having half chances and therefore not going in the back of Drench’s goal,” said Garner.
“We’ve had some misfortune in some of the games but we have worked hard as a group to keep chances down to a minimum, the communication between team mates has improved and we are starting to see the rewards for our efforts. The whole team can take credit for the clean sheets as everyone contributes towards it.”
The Shaymen return to FA Cup action this Saturday when they face Stalybridge Celtic at the MBi Shay Stadium. The teams met in the league at the beginning of September, in what Garner described as a ‘frustrating’ 1-0 victory.
“Stalybridge will know what to expect and I expect a good cup atmosphere from our supporters. Last time we faced them it was a difficult afternoon for us but it was vital that we got the 3 points at home after defeat to Harrogate Town the last time we played at the Shay.”
“There is a bit more confidence flowing through the side now and we’ve been on a good run of form. The defeat to Gainsborough was hugely disappointing but had that gone in our favour we’d be four wins on the bounce heading into Saturday’s game. We go into this one full of confidence, we go in as favourites and hopefully we can stand up and deliver,” Garner concluded.
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