FC Halifax Town v Dagenham & Redbridge: Shaymen braced to withstand Cup backlash from the Daggers

FC HALIFAX TOWN manager Billy Heath admits to possessing mixed feelings at Dagenham and Redbridge's shock 5-0 weekend home thrashing by Gateshead.
FC Halifax Town boss Billy HeathFC Halifax Town boss Billy Heath
FC Halifax Town boss Billy Heath

The Daggers are licking their wounds following that mauling at the hands of Head, managed by ex-Halifax chief Neil Aspin, and Heath is not sure whether the result is a good or a bad thing ahead of tonight’s Cup replay.

Heath, whose side will secure a trip to either League One strugglers Swindon or National League side Eastleigh if they prevail, said: “They had a poor result at the weekend and there are two ways you can look at it.

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“It does not matter what team you are, if you get beaten by five, your confidence must take a hit – it does not matter how mentally strong you are.

“But on the other hand, they will be really hoping to put it right.”

Halifax are seeking to book their place in the second round of the competition for the first time since being reformed in 2008. The margins were certainly tight between themselves and Dagenham in the first meeting, which ended 0-0.

Heath will not be surprised if it is a case of more of the same, although he says that he has resisted the temptation for his side to practise penalties.

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Heath, who has a doubt over Josh MacDonald, said: “It could be who scores first, as the first game was a very tight affair.

“But we have not practised penalties. It is very difficult as you do not know who will be on the field if it comes to that. You can never recreate that pressure either; you can have some good penalty takers in training, but not when the pressure is on.”

Last six games: FC Halifax WWWLDW, Dagenham WDWDDL.

Referee: T Bramall (Sheffield).

Last time: Dagenham 0 FC Halifax 0, November 5, 2016; FA Cup.