Braintree Post Match: Paul Marshall Interview

In a game where chances were in short supply, Halifax were left frustrated by Braintree as they failed to break the deadlock, succumbing to a 0-0 draw at the Shay.

Midfielder Paul Marshall who arguably went closest in the first half with a freekick, admitted his frustration after the game.

‘Thought it was frustrating to be honest, Braintree came and set up camp, they didn’t really want to attack us, it didn’t quite go for us tonight.’

Although left dissatisfied by the outcome, the former Manchester City trainee believes the result was fair.

‘Yes it probably was, they had a game plan, and they worked it well, maybe we could of nicked it.’

Having missed the chance to climb up to third in the Skrill Premier had the Shaymen overcome the Iron, Marshall remains stoic in the belief a promotion push is still on the cards.

‘Yes 100%, we’ve got a good team, and we’ve got some big games coming up, the lads are very confident we can do it.’

Halifax are unbeaten in their last 6 games after the draw with Braintree, they will be looking to keep that momentum going into the remaining games.

The Shaymen turn their attentions to Nuneaton on Saturday; the first of three key away fixtures. Further away trips to Grimsby and Barnet follow.

‘We’ve played Nuneaton before, they play a little like Braintree tonight, set up camp and just want to defend, we played them at there place, and won, I think off 2 set pieces so I think set pieces will be crucial at there place.’

Braintree Post Match: Interview with Halifax Town Chairman David Bosomworth

Despite Halifax being held to a 0-0 draw at home to Braintree on Thursday night, Chairman David Bosomworth remains upbeat about what has been a successful season so far.

‘Its marvellous at this stage of the season with 6 games to go, that we’re fighting for a play off place.’

Halifax could of gone as high as third in the table with a win over the Iron, and a feeling of 2 points dropped rather than a point gained has left Bosomworth a little disappointed.

‘It’s the first 0-0 we’ve had at home this season, so it is disappointing. Perhaps haven’t been at our best tonight, I think they’ve done a very good job on us to be fair.’

The referee, rightly or wrongly had an impact on proceedings, after awarding numerous free kicks and drop balls. Bosomworth was left bewildered by some of the official’s decision making on the night.

‘It was very stop start; he hasn’t really let the game flow so that does make it difficult for both sets of players, and so from that perspective he has had better days.’

The Shaymen sit 7^th in the Skrill Premier, with the onus on getting as many points on the board as possible to maintain their promotion push.

Halifax face a tough run in, starting with Nuneaton away on Saturday, followed by Grimsby and Barnet away.

‘If you can string another 2 or 3 wins together, might propel you into the playoffs.’

The playing staff at Halifax are primarily part time, training twice a week and with only an hour on the pitch with the manager to hone tactics, which only enhances what a great job the team have done this season.

The club has strengthened up front with the acquisition of Scott Spencer from Hyde, formerly on the books at Everton, he could prove an astute addition to the squad by manager Neil Aspin.

‘He signed for Everton at one point, he obviously has been seen as a talented lad, lets hope he can realise that talent here for us.’

Spencer will provide cover and lighten the load on top scorer Lee Gregory’s shoulders, who has been in fantastic form this season, netting 28 times for the Shaymen.

‘Gregory and Josh Wilson are our only out and out strikers, if Gregory fell in a heap in one of the games, you need a bit of cover, but overall were well covered, at our level you have to have players that are capable of coming in and moving position and just playing slightly different roles.’

Possessing a strong squad with a great team spirit, a trip to Wembley may not be beyond the realms of possibility for Halifax.