Salford City v FC Halifax Town: Shaymen out to spoil promotion party for Class of '˜92

In form: FC Halifax Town have won seven of their last nine games to reach the play-offs. (Picture: Bruce Fitzgerald)

The two clubs meet at Moor Lane in a National League North semi-final first leg that is likely to be attended by Gary Neville, Paul Scholes et al in their guise as part owners of the Greater Manchester club.

With so much at stake, tension is certain to be in the air as Halifax and Salford look to take a decisive lead into Sunday’s second leg at The Shay.

“I never felt nervous as a player,” said Ham, whose 14-year career included spells at Bradford City, Rotherham United and Preston North End. “None whatsoever.

Gary Neville poses with young fans at Brighouse Town FC, during the visit from Salford City FC, who play FC Halifax Town in the National League North semi-final (Picture: Bruce Fitzgerald)

“But, as a director, it is totally different. You are desperate for the team to do well, but cannot do anything about it.

“Whether I had the ability to help is another matter, but at least being on the pitch I had a chance. I am sure a lot of former players feel the same.”

Old Trafford greats Scholes, Neville, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt and Phil Neville bought Salford in 2014. Back-to-back promotions followed, both being captured in the BBC documentary Class of 92.

Halifax stand in the way of a hat-trick of successes and Salford know they will be in for a tough couple of ties.

Not only did the Shaymen take four points off Salford in the regular season, but Billy Heath’s men have won seven of their last nine games. Last weekend’s victory at Chorley was enough to secure third place and home advantage in the second leg against Salford.

“We go into the game with some good form,” added Ham, who along with chairman David Bosomworth formed FC Halifax from the ashes of the old Football League club in 2008.

“The lads have really stuck at it this season in a tough league. There is a lot more money in this division than when we were last here (in 2014) and the quality has risen.”

As for taking on the Class of 92 tonight, Ham added: “We met Gary Neville earlier this season and he is a nice guy. To be fair to all of the Manchester United lads, they try to keep a low profile and don’t make it about them, even within the club.

“They have been good for non-League, as they have brought publicity and profile to the game. That isn’t always easy at our level so it has to be a positive.”