A look to Saturday’s trip to FC Halifax Town on Saturday…..
By Matty Paddock - 20/10/2023
Posted 2 years ago
Update: Saturday’s game is ON following a pitch inspection
HARRIERS face a “wounded animal” in FC Halifax Town in The National League on Saturday.
The Shaymen have been one of the top performers on the road so far this season, having already won four of their eight away ties.
Home points have been harder to come by for Town, though, with just once success so far – even if they have been beaten on only a couple of occasions.
They were downed last weekend in an FA Cup upset against Marine, something Harriers have to be aware of.
Jimmy O’Connor says the hosts’ defensive meanness is a factor, too, commenting: “We’re going against the most stubborn team defensively on Saturday.
“They had a disappointing result on Saturday and they’ll be looking to bounce back.
“They’ve got good players who’ve played in the league for a long time – it’s a massive challenge again, but one we’ll look to relish.”
O’Connor added that Harriers must mix their focus across both the opposition as well as the team’s own strengths in recent weeks.
“They’ve got good players throughout the team,” he added.
“They’re a wounded animal at the minute because they’ve had a disappointing result in the Cup.
“That’s the most important thing, they’ll be wanting to put that right and it is important we match their levels and intensity at the start of the game and keep building on what we’ve done.
“I’m not saying we’ve been vintage by any means, but we recognise what we do well and what gives us success, and we start with that, first and foremost.
“We focus on ourselves.”
Harriers have contrasting news coming from the treatment room heading into this fixture.
O’Connor confirmed that defender Nat Knight-Percival, on the bench in last weekend’s Cup tie, has suffered a set-back and probably won’t be risked at Halifax.
However, Reiss McNally came through his return from injury last weekend unscathed, while Matt Preston is described as being “a lot closer” as he bids to return from his injury.
Shane Byrne has continued his recovery at St George’s Park this week, while Jack Lambert remains out and and Joe Leesley continues to be assessed.
Kick-off on Saturday at The Shay is at 3:00pm.
Away supporters at Halifax need to purchase match tickets on the day of the game as none are available in advance.
Supporters are urged to pay admission at the turnstile in cash wherever possible. Card payments can only be taken at the Ticket Office where queues may be likely, so please plan accordingly.
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