SAM COX READY FOR HALIFAX TOWN CHALLENGE

Wealdstone Manager Sam Cox is wary, but ready for the challenge that Halifax Town will bring to Grosvenor Vale tomorrow and is counting on the Stones incredible support to push the team over the line once more!

Coming off the back of a 2-0 win in the National League against Truro City and a 2-1 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers U21s in the National League Cup, there was lots to take from the first 180 minutes of football this season.

"The group have got a spirit and a character to overcome adversity. Even when we're not at our best technically and in possession we require high standards. We've seen that when we're up against the wall these boys can withstand the pressure. We enjoy the defending aspect as much as the in-possession stats."

Having narrowly missed out on promotion last season, Halifax Town are almost certain to bring a tough test to the Vale tomorrow.

"I've watched their defeat to Braintree Town last week back a number of times and the result doesn't particularly match their performance. They fell narrowly short in the play-offs last season but they have a top manager in Adam Lakeland so we are wary of the test tey will bring, but we will be ready."

When the Stones faced Halifax Town last season at Grosvenor Vale, the incredible spirit and togetherness of the Vale faithful played a huge part Wealdstone’s survival on the day.

"Of course we want to embody the spirit of games like that! Our support has been incredible recently and it makes a huge difference when we make the Vale a fortress. It was a record opening crowd (vs Truro City) for a number of years and we really appreciate your support."

Cox has been without summer signing Connor McAvoy, who went down injured just 30 minutes into his pre-season debut, whilst Nathan Young-Coombes picked up an injury in midweek against Wolves.

"Nathan came off early against Wolves, but we feel it was more precautionary and not as bad as we think, so hopefully he'll be back in just a few weeks."

"Connor has had a scan and will be out for a while. It's disappointing for Connor given his previous injury struggles, he worked really hard to get his deal over the line and he's a great guy so we're really disappointed for him."