Following FC Halifax Town’s disappointing defeat to Darlington FC on Boxing Day, Billy Heath and his men will be looking to avenge that loss on New Year’s Day, when the two sides meet again in the return fixture at the MBi Shay Stadium.
Town have fallen even further to ninth position this week in the Vanarama National League North, but with two games in hand on their rivals, Sunday’s tie is a big opportunity to get back amongst the play-off positions.
The FC Halifax defence will know what to expect this weekend, as they prepare to face the same frontline that put three past the Shaymen on Boxing Day with striker Mark Beck set to start again alongside Josh Gillies.
Gillies, 26, rounded off the scoring on Boxing Day as Darlington 1883 summoned FC Halifax to a 3-2 defeat at Blackwell Meadows. The striker signed for The Quakers in July after failing to sign a new contract at Gateshead last season.
The former Sunderland Blue Star and Blyth frontman gained international credentials back in 2012, when he was called up for England C after a prolific year at Gateshead during his first spell at the Gateshead International Stadium.
A year that earnt him a move to EFL outfit Carlisle United, a three-year stint saw the Sunderland-born striker take numerous loan moves, including a solitary single appearance at none other than FC Halifax Town in 2014.
The expiration of his deal at Carlisle United in 2015 saw him return to Gateshead on a free transfer, and after an injury-hampered year netting four goals in 23 appearances, he made the move to The Quakers and has settled at Darlington.
Darlo’s hitman will be looking for a repeat of the Boxing Day clash at Blackwell Meadows and affirming their place in that top five.
If you can’t make Sunday’s festive fixture against Darlington 1883 then you can catch all the build-up and live match commentary on Shaymen Player HD, as well as full live match updates on the Shaymen Wall and our official Twitter account, @FCHTOnline.
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