FC Halifax Town: Injured trio could be out for at least two more weeks

Wilde hasn’t played since the 2-1 home defeat to Leyton Orient on January 30 with a knee injury, the same problem that is keeping Clarke out, while Macdonald limped off in the 2-1 defeat to Ebbsfleet on February 17.

Centre-back Scott Garner limped out of Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Eastleigh with an apparent knee injury, but is suspended anyway for two games after collecting his 10th booking.

Right-back Cliff Moyo is also on the injured list, as he pulled out on Friday night with a thigh problem.

“That shows the group are understanding what’s being asked of them because we’ve done our match preparation and it was a late call-off,” said Fullarton.

“Great credit to Michael Duckworth, who stepped in and acquitted himself very well, and grew in confidence along with the group as the game went on.”

Fullarton says work is going on behind the scenes to try and add to the squad.

“Before I came in, and when I was appointed, I felt we had enough to stay in this league,” he said.

“But thinking, feeling and assuming don’t exist with me. It’s what we do and how we approach it to make sure we do.

“We’re always pro-active with signing players but that’s to create competition because that pushes players to be the best they can be.

“That’s what we’ll look to do to make sure injuries and suspensions don’t derail what we’ve done in the last two games.

“Every day I work with the players gives me more of an insight into their personality, character and quality they have.

“That filters down to who will come in and make us better, but we’re on it every day.”

Fullarton took charge of his first game since March 19, 2016 on Saturday, and relished the experience.

“I loved it,” he said. “Thoroughly enjoyed it. You do all the work during the week, you’re pro-active looking at players, but all that is for a Saturday. And there’s nothing better than being involved on the touchline and feeling part of it.

“Especially when the constant thread and demand of that application and attitude from the players is present. That makes it an enjoyable day.”

Fullarton said he won’t be shouting and screaming for 90 minutes on the touchline, but won’t be afraid to get his point across either.

“It’s very important that you try and be as balanced as possible,” he added. “When my emotion comes out, joy or frustration, is surrounding incidents or events we’ve worked on or made them aware of, but we haven’t been able to carry out.

“Other than that I’m a bit more balanced. I think it’s important you choose your moments when you’re emotional, if it’s frustration or elation, because if you’re constantly like that when players look towards you, it loses impact and effect.

“You’re looking to give them guidance, nothing more, because when they cross that line, all the prep during the week is a foundation for them to go and put on a performance and get a result.”