FC Halifax Town v Chorley: Fans Panel preview

Here are the thoughts of the Fans Panel ahead of Town's play-off final against Chorley at The Shay on Saturday.
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How do you rate Town’s chances on Saturday?

Andrew Mann: “I think Town have a really good chance. It’s great to have the final unexpectedly at the Shay, should be a huge crowd against a team we’ve beaten quite recently as well although no doubts this will be a completely different game.”

Kit Walton: “We have to be favourites, having done the double over Chorley this season. Having said that, it only takes a single mistake or a bad decision to cost a goal and the match. All play offs are a lottery to a certain extent.”

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Andrew MannAndrew Mann
Andrew Mann

Rob Brown: “Chorley provided a stern test back in a January when the Shaymen won 2-1. The pressure was really on that night following on directly from the infamous Stalybridge away game. We’ve not lost to Chorley in recent times home or away so we’ve got to be favourites especially as it’s at the Shay.”

Who do you think is Town’s key man?

Andrew Mann: “Town’s key man for me is Matty Kosylo, our most consistently dangerous attacking threat who I think can really make a difference for the Shaymen on Saturday.”

Kit Walton: “Tom Denton gets in the game an awful lot, but whether he’s effective or not depends on those around him.”

Kit WaltonKit Walton
Kit Walton

Rob Brown: “Dion Charles had a cracking game in the semi final. The team play really well when the ball is played down the wings. Dion may not score the winner but making chances is the key to getting the crowd going and putting Chorley under pressure.”

Which team would you pick for the game?

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Kit Walton: “Similar to last week, although midfield would be better balanced with Liam King there instead of Hotte or Clarke. Personally I would also play Adam Morgan for Denton, but we all know that would involve too much flowing football for Billy Heath’s liking.”

Rob Brown: “It’s difficult to see why you’d change the starting line up from the semi final. We’ve got a great recent defensive record and exciting players going forward. Would be tempted to have Scott McManus on the bench, he’s always good for a winner on the big occasion.”

Rob BrownRob Brown
Rob Brown

What would your message to the team be?

Andrew Mann: “I’d say to the players that they’re more than capable of winning but make sure they show Chorley the respect they deserve. We may have beaten them home and away but they got an excellent result against kiddy to get themselves into the final.”

Kit Walton: “Don’t underestimate Chorley; any team that gets this far are no mugs, and they did win 2-0 at Kidderminster.”

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Rob Brown: “Listen to Billy Heath and Mark Carroll! They’ve turned things round dramatically since the turn of the year with the team playing with confidence. Both won the promotion final last year, they know what’s required to win the game.”

Andrew MannAndrew Mann
Andrew Mann

Score prediction?

Andrew Mann: “1-1. Then it could go either way in extra time or the dreaded penalties!”

Kit Walton: “I predict 3-1 to Town, but that’s with my heart rather than my head!”

Rob Brown: “Halifax 3-1 Chorley.”

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