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First Team

Gloucester City: We’ve Met Before

Posted by Kelly Gilchrist
Posted on Thu 16 Mar 2017
Posted in First Team

Following FC Halifax Town’s 3-1 derby win over Bradford Park Avenue last weekend, the Shaymen now have just ten games left to play as they look to secure their position in the Vanarama National League North play-off spots.

Up next is a visit from Gloucester City, who will be looking to make amends for their 2-0 home defeat to the Shaymen back in October.

Alex Simmons opened the scoring inside 30 minutes, in what was a scrappy affair at Whaddon Road, before Liam King doubled Town’s lead midway through the second half. The home side kept the pressure on, but Halifax could hold out to bring the three points back to West Yorkshire.

Before then, the two sides last met in the league four years ago, during the 2012/13 Blue Square North season. The first fixture being a cracker for the Shaymen faithful.

It was what could be described as a thumping victory at the MBi Shay Stadium as Town put five past Tigers’ goalkeeper Mike Green, four of which came in the first half.

Striker Lee Gregory showed signs of a sparkling individual performance early on as it was his dummy that saw Jon Worthington through on goal to make it 1-0 to the home side inside the first minute.

If that was not quick enough, the lead was doubled by Gregory himself just a few minutes later, before grabbing his second of the game through a superb volley following a Town corner. Hard to believe that this was just the first half.

The Shaymen rounded off the perfect start with yet another goal, and there will be no surprise as to who scored it. Gregory again dispatching from close range to provide himself with a first half hat-trick, making it 4-0 going into half time.

The second half was a lot calmer, the home side grabbing just the on goal this time. Gregory was keen to add to his first half hat-trick, and he did so in style as he knocked the ball over Green for a simple finish. A great day all round for Town as they won their second consecutive game for the first time in the season.

Fast forward a few months and it was time for the return fixture. Sadly, this time it was not as exciting as the home tie, although Halifax could do the double over their league rivals.

Liam Needham opened the scoring early on before current Ramsbottom United striker Gareth Seddon made it two for Town just eight minutes later.

The Shaymen enjoyed a comfortable lead for a large part of the game before conceding a penalty with under ten minutes to go. Danny Andrews stepped up to convert the spot-kick, leaving a nervy finish for Town.

Although they could hold on to add another three points to the tally. By the end of the season, this proved to be crucial as Town earned promotion to the Blue Square Premier following a 1-0 play-off final win over Brackley Town.

If you cannot make it to the Shay on Saturday, then there will be live match updates along with commentary available on the Shaymen Wall and Shaymen Player HD respectively.

 

 

Read more posts by Kelly Gilchrist

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