Manager Jim Harvey believes Scott McManus’ winning FA Trophy final goal will be written into FC Halifax Town folklore, after his side ran out 1-0 victors over Grimsby Town.
The Mariners started off brightly with Padraig Amond coming closest to scoring, but Halifax held firm until just after half-time when McManus curled in the game’s only goal.
The result will certainly have softened the blow of relegation from the National League this season and ensured the Shaymen’s fans can go into the summer on a high – while Grimsby’s promotion from the same league means the teams will be two divisions apart next season.
FC Halifax Town 1-0 Grimsby Town
The FA Trophy Final
Wembley Stadium connected by EE
Sunday 21 May 2016
FC Halifax Town win £50,000 from The FA prize fund
But while McManus was still able to celebrate with his team-mates after the game, he had to be substituted soon after scoring and finished the day on crutches – and Harvey is hoping the diagnosis is not too serious for the 26-year-old.
“I do hope it’s not too bad,” he said. “But it could be a cruciate. We’ll know tomorrow. Scott is the longest-serving member of the squad; a brilliant lad and brilliant player.
“And for him to score with his right foot which he uses to stand on was unbelievable. A right-footed shot from 20 yards that will live long in the folklore of FC Halifax.
“This result is amazing. It was exciting preparing for Wembley and thoroughly enjoyable, although at times the final was painful for me.
“But to beat Grimsby who are going into the Football League is massive.”
It is also D-Day for Harvey on Monday as he waits to see if he will be awarded a new contract by Halifax chairman David Bosomworth.
He added: “I hope for good news. Six months ago the club was dead and buried, ten points adrift.
“Okay we didn’t avoid relegation, but we’ve shown a lot of spirit, fight and effort and to win the FA Trophy speaks volumes for the players.”
While FC Halifax firmly jumped out of the shadow of being known as one of Leicester and England sensation Jamie Vardy’s nursery clubs, Grimsby manager Paul Hurst took defeat on the chin.
Fresh from their 3-1 National League play-off final triumph over Forest Green, the Mariners were back at the home of English football for the second time in eight days but could not complete a Wembley double.
“It would have been nice to pull it off. It’s a major disappointment, but it didn’t feel like I was watching my team out there,” said Hurst.
“They had more in their legs than us; maybe one or two enjoyed last weekend too much. And also the effort we put in meant we didn’t look like we had the energy – it was too pedestrian.
“Last week certainly softens the blow but it’s a shame to end like this. But we’ll celebrate the season we’ve had, for in truth it will probably be for the last time as this group together.”
