Pic: Media Image
MATTY KOSYLO says Nantwich Town fully believe they can overturn their 4-2 first leg defeat against FC Halifax Town and make the FA Trophy final.
A Jordan Burrow double and goals from Waide Fairhurst and Scott McManus have put the Shaymen in control of the tie but Kosylo’s late strike after Sean Cooke’s first half effort have given Nantwich hope.
The National League side will be favourites as the pair face off at the Shay on Saturday but Kosylo, man of the match in the first game, says he and his fellow team-mates go to West Yorkshire with plenty of confidence.
He said: “We can get back into the tie and the gaffer (Phil Parkinson) said in the changing room after Saturday’s game that if anyone in there is doubting our chances then he doesn’t want us in the squad.
“That is the upbeat attitude of this team and if we go there doubting ourselves then we might as well not turn up at all. So we all believe and we are capable of it. I really do believe we have got a chance at their place.
“We have done well all season and that is down to belief, ability and good team ethic. You saw how many goals we have scored and if you are around the club you can sense the atmosphere and the togetherness, which we have lots of.”
It’s been quite the turnaround for the Dabbers since Kosylo joined just over a year ago. Last season they were embroiled in a relegation battle in the Evo-Stik NPL Premier.
This term they’re battling for the play-offs and have enjoyed their best ever run in the FA Trophy. It comes ten years after the club won the FA Vase.
“You have only got to look at last season and it was a totally different place,” Kosylo said. “We were around the relegation zone and battling it out to stay up.
“But now to be in the FA Trophy semi-finals and going for the play-offs, it’s credit to the gaffer as well as the squad. Parky has brought in some great players and we have gelled really well and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.”
