With their FA Cup defeat to Tranmere Rovers still fresh in the mind of the players, FC Halifax Town travel down to Merseyside with plans to exact revenge on Micky Mellon’s men.
The Shaymen will be wanting to bring their winless streak to a timely conclusion, after 5 straight league games without victory, against a Rovers side who eased their way to a 3-1 win when they visited just under a fortnight ago.
You must go to just over a month ago to recall the last time Halifax took all three points from an encounter when they beat Bromley towards the end of September. Since then two losses and three draws has seen the once high-flying Town, come back down to earth with a bang.
Billy Heath will be hoping the reintroduction of joint top goal scorer Tom Denton will help his side be more of a threat in the attacking department, after looking toothless in the 28-year old’s absence, scoring only 2 in the 3 games he’s been missing.
For Rovers, their only consistency this season has been their inconsistency. Last year’s Vanarama National League runners up will be disappointed with their form thus far, but have seemingly began to improve, albeit marginally.
Their last five run outs have seen two wins, two draws and a single loss against Aldershot Town.
Despite their 16th position in the table, the Merseyside club possess a respectable defensive record, only conceding 13 in 17 games. It is in their inability to find the back of the net is where their problems lie, only scoring 13.
Andy Cook’s 4 goals this season make him his club’s top scorer, and he’ll be looking to draw level with both Denton and Matt Kosylo who both have one more than him.
Halifax will be also being smart to remember the damage James Norwood could inflict upon them in the cup meeting. The hitman, who was a constant threat in that game, will be looking to improve upon the 3 goals he has scored.
In the event of a victory for Tranmere, it will see them draw level with Halifax on points, as well as leaving both teams with a record of 6/6/6, somewhat fitting as we enter the Halloween period.
But, with Heath being able to name a full-strength line up for the first time since the Bromley fixture, the loyal travelling support will be hopeful that the performance won’t be a frightening one.
However, with their 4 draws from their 8 games away from the MBi Shay Stadium, Halifax have proven they can stop their hosts using home advantage against them, and will be confident of doing it once again.
Match Officials:
Referee: Matthew Donohue
Assistant Referees: Robert Wainwright/Nikolas Storey
Fourth Official: Joseph Pettitt
Follow the Game:
There will be live updates and commentary available on the club website and Shaymen TV.
You can also follow the action via Town’s official Twitter account, @FCHTOnline and Snapchat (FCHTOnline)
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