Tuesday night is arguably the biggest game in FC Halifax Town’s history. A trip to Championship side Brentford in the 3rd round of the FA Cup is the reward for the victor – and we expect an incredible atmosphere inside the MBI Shay Stadium.
Billy Heath’s men were minutes away from sealing a place in the 3rd round for the very first time, however Spitfires striker Mikaël Mandron managed to bundle the ball over the line in an incredible goal-mouth scramble at the death to wrap up Eastleigh’s incredible late comeback.
The equaliser also denied Halifax Town their first victory against Eastleigh – having been unsuccessful in the previous four occasions prior to the cup tie (W0,D2,L3).
Having gone 3-1 up with 18 minutes left on the clock it looked like ball number 60 in the draw would be occupied solely by Halifax.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be, but if we get even half the game we witnessed down south we are in for a cracker.
Current form
The Shaymen remain without a victory in almost a month. Town supporters will have to look back to the 1st round replay success at home to Dagenham and Redbridge in November as the last time Halifax tasted victory (maybe a case of déjà vu on Tuesday?)
Halifax Town – DLLDL
For Eastleigh they too haven’t seen a win come their way in their last three games, the last coming in a 1-0 victory away at Aldershot Town in the National League.
Eastleigh- DLLWD
Key Men
Eastleigh’s Mandron is obviously one to watch out for, having bagged two in the previous encounter. He also provided the assist for substitute Scott Wilson’s strike to pull the Spitfires back to 2-3. He’s another player to watch out for as well midfielder David Pipe, who occupied the right back position last time out and was constantly on the ball throughout the game – causing problems down the right hand side as well as providing strong defensive cover on Alex Simmons.
Match Officials
Referee: Clark, Richard
Assistant Referee: Markham, Danny
Assistant Referee: Edwards, Marc
Fourth Official: Greenwood, Alf
Follow the game
We expect a fantastic turn out at the Shay on Tuesday, however 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) as well as live audio commentary from 7:30 pm on Shaymen Player HD.
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