The festive schedule is upon us as FC Halifax Town’s schedule becomes jam-packed with league action as Billy Heath’s side attempt to break back into the playoff places of the National League North.
With both clubs, reformed versions of popular league outfits, the two fanbases coming together for the Boxing Day and New Year’s Day clashes are two of the largest in the division.
First up is Boxing Day’s trip to Blackwell Meadows for the away fixture. The Shaymen will have a task on their hands and no more so than with former Scottish youth international, Mark Beck.
Sunderland-born forward Beck began his career in the Carlisle United youth ranks before making his debut in April 2012, in a League One match against Charlton Athletic, having recently returned from a loan spell at Workington. Days after, Beck signed his first professional contract with the Blues and also appeared for the Scotland U19 side in an international friendly against Sweden – getting on the scoresheet in the process. His performances earned him a call-up to the U21 side, but he has yet to feature.
Beck moved to Scotland for a loan spell with Falkirk, a term in which he netted six goals in 20 games. Upon returning to Carlisle, the youngster struggled to reinforce his place in the team and he was snapped up by Somerset side Yeovil Town. Sparks did not really fly, however, and after a loan spell at Wrexham to gather more experience, the striker made the move to Darlington last summer. Since then, he has scored nine league goals before the turn of the year, hitting the ground running in the National League North. His aerial ability and imposing stature at 6’5’’ make him a threatening target man – and still 22, the Wearside wonder still has time on his side. Should he be fit to face the Shaymen, he will certainly be a player to keep a strong eye on.
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