FC Halifax Town: Pressure is all on Halifax, says Nantwich boss

Parkinson says reaching this stage of the competition is a massive new milestone in the history of the south Cheshire Club.

Parkinson skippered the Dabbers to FA Vase glory in 2006 under manager Steve Davis, who is now in charge at Crewe Alexandra.

The 35-year-old manager is bullish about his side’s chances against The Shaymen.

He said: “Reaching the final would be a massive achievement for the club, but Halifax stand in our way.

“People say they are struggling at the wrong end of the National League, but if you look at the form table, they are doing well, especially since Jim Harvey took over.

“I am sure they will soon start to fly up the league table because they are a good side.

“If we are to progress over the two legs, then we will have to be at our best and hope Halifax have an off day,” said the manager. “It’s a massive mountain to climb. Most people outside of Nantwich expect us to lose, so all the pressure is on Halifax, but one thing is for sure. We will give it our all over the two legs.

“But we have proved on our day we can compete with the top sides, having beaten the likes of Stockport County, Bradford Park Avenue and Dover Athletic along the way.”

Parkinson says he does not plan to change their normal match routine.

The players had a training session on Thursday night and plan to meet at their normal time on Saturday.

“Continuity is the key word,” said Parkinson.

“We won’t be upsetting our normal match-day preparations. The players all know what will happen and when on the day.”