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.

Halifax vs Braintree - Match Report

With only a point separating Braintree and Halifax in the Skrill premier before kick off, the 6^th and 7^th placed sides played out a close 0-0 encounter at the Shay.

Neither side created enough to claim all three points in a subdued fixture where both teams could of gone third in the league with a victory.

Halifax in particular will feel disappointed, after beating league leaders Luton Town at the weekend.

A continuation of niggling fouls throughout ensured a stop start tie, where the referee didn’t allow the game to flow.

Halifax top scorer Lee Gregory was searching for a landmark 100^th goal for the Shaymen and his 28^th in the league this campaign, but was kept quiet for much of the game.

Looking isolated, the striker was limited to feeding off scraps from the otherwise energetic midfield three of Ryan Crowther, Matty Pearson and Adam Smith.

Braintree had the better of the chances in the opening 45 minutes, with Dan Holman their main threat, flashing the ball across the face of the Halifax goal on two occasions.

The Iron had won the reverse fixture 1-0 in November and there was signs early on Braintree may at least be the first to open the scoring.

But back came Halifax with a good spell of pressure to conclude the half.

The home side picked up where they left off after the break, enjoying extended periods in possession.

The Shaymen had won their previous 5 league fixtures going into Thursdays game, whilst Braintree were playing their sixth game in thirteen days.

With momentum with Halifax, and fatigue potentially playing a part as the clock ticked down, both sides struggled to net the opener.

That killer pass to link midfield to attack was lacking for Halifax who looked to unshackle Gregory, and debutant Scott Spencer who came on for Smith just after the hour mark.

The Braintree defence was unyielding throughout, and Halifax found it hard to unlock the door to the oppositions back line.

Despite late pressure on the Iron’s goal, the Shaymen were left frustrated by the visitors.

A draw seemed a fair result, and keeps both teams in the hunt for promotion.

Braintree move up to fourth in the league, a point ahead of the Halifax who stay seventh.

The Shaymen will look to get back to winning ways and extend their unbeaten run when they travel to Nuneaton on Saturday.