FC Halifax Town return to FA Cup action on Sunday, with a long trip to Hampshire to face Eastleigh. Town face opponents from the National League for the second consecutive round, having disposed of Dagenham & Redbridge in the 1st round, and will be hoping to do the same with Eastleigh in the hope of drawing one of the Premier League big boys in January’s 3rd round. Eastleigh manager Ronnie Moore left the club on Wednesday, stating personal reason, and it is unknown who will take the managerial position for Sunday’s tie.
Current Form:
Before Tuesday’s West Riding County Cup loss at Silsden, the Shaymen had crashed out of the FA Trophy after a replay defeat to Matlock Town at the Shay. Before Saturday’s draw in Derbyshire, Town had lost 4-2 away at Curzon Ashton. Away form hadn’t been a problem for the Shaymen, as Heath’s men picked up their fourth away win on the bounce throughout September and October, and then managed to earn a draw against a strong Dagenham & Redbridge side. Sunday is a chance for the Shaymen to bounceback from a disappointing FA Trophy exit. Eastleigh have lost their last two games – a home defeat to Chester and an away loss at Maidstone United on Tuesday, but before that had been unbeaten in their previous five. They disposed of League One Swindon Town in the first round and will be tough opponents for Billy Heath’s side.
FC Halifax Town: WDLDL (not including WRCC v Silsden)
Eastleigh: WDWLL
Key-Man:
Striker Mikael Mandron has had Football League experience with Fleetwood, Shrewsbury and Hartlepool and has scored 9 times for the Spitfires this season. The Frenchman was signed by former manager Chris Todd in the summer and was called “an unbelievable talent” by his former boss. He scored Eastleigh’s goal in Tuesday’s defeat at Maidstone, which was his 6th goal in 7 games, and will be looking to add to his tally on Sunday.
Last Meeting:
The last meeting between Eastleigh and FC Halifax Town came in April of this year, as the Hampshire outfit made the long trip north to the Shay. With the Shaymen desperate for points at the wrong end of the table, and Eastleigh fighting for promotion from the National League, it was a tight encounter that finished 0-0.
Match Officials:
Referee: Malone, Brendan
Assistant Referee: Warren, George
Assistant Referee: Leach, Daniel
Fourth Official: Derrien, Mark
Follow the game
If you can’t make it to the game, match updates will be available on the Shaymen Wall as well as the club’s official Twitter feed. (https://twitter.com/FCHTOnline)
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