WILD IS READY FOR WAR ‘We are ready for Chorley test’

FC Halifax Town boss Pete Wild is expecting a “war of attrition” at bottom-side Chorley on Saturday.

The Shaymen go into the game with three wins and two draws from their last three matches, while Chorley, who have won only four league games all season, are without a win in nine.

But The Magpies have been boosted recently by the addition of veteran centre-back/ midfielder Antony Kay on a free transfer, plus Oldham striker Kielen Adams, Grimsby forward Harry Cardwell and Fylde left-back Scott Duxbury all on loan.

Halifax took part in a behind-closed-doors game at Salford’s training ground this week, which manager Wild said was a useful exercise ahead of Saturday’s game.

“We had a training game against Salford on Tuesday and everybody looked sharp,” he said. “Those who’ve not had as many minutes as they’d have wanted over the last few weeks have got some miles in their legs, which is really pleasing.

“We’re up to full strength, and we’re really looking forward to the game, but I’m under no illusions that we’re in for a tough encounter on Saturday.

“I think it’s going to be a war of attrition, we’re going to come up against a tough pitch and a team that really wants to do well. They’ve brought four new lads in, two of them experienced.”

Wild isn’t reading too much into Chorley’s league position or their season so far, and is mindful of how much they frustrated The Shaymen with a dogged defensive display in the 0-0 draw between the teams at The Shay in October.

“This league has thrown up so many random results this season that I don’t think you can read anything into form, or into how teams are doing,” Wild said.

“They’ve brought four new lads in and they’ve helped them get a draw last Saturday, and by all accounts, it should have been a win.

“Putting three past Aldershot at home is no mean feat.

“I expect them to be tough to play against, tough to beat, but with the lads they’ve brought in, I expect them to probably want to hurt us more.