Tuesday evening will see FC Halifax Town eventually embark on the beginning of this season’s FA Trophy journey.
The match will be played at the MBi Shay stadium at the third attempt after the match was postponed twice before Christmas due to poor weather.
The sides clashed twice over the Christmas period in the national league with Macclesfield coming out on top in both occasions, perhaps justifying their position as league leaders.
However, this cup tie could be a little different. Both teams will be aware of the knockout format and may look to get the job done early, which may lead to a very open and end-to-end match.
Most recently, Town were defeated 1-4 at home by the promotion chasers, a result that was arguably caused partly by fatigue from a hectic schedule around Christmas and the new year.
Due to the postponements, the teams have decided that there will be no replay if the match was to end in a draw after 90 minutes. Instead there will be extra-time and penalties if required, so we could be in for a lengthy contest at the Shay. Furthermore, the draw for the second round of the FA Trophy has already been made and Town’s most recent league opponents, Maidenhead United await the victors.
It is likely that Town will stick to a similar line up to their previous outing although they will be without striker George Waring as his loan deal with the club expired on Saturday. If his deal is not extended once again it could be assumed that Tom Denton will regain his place in the starting line up having been replaced by Waring at Maidenhead.
Another key selection dilemma for Billy Heath centres around Matty Kosylo who is continuing his return from injury. Kosylo has endured a lengthy spell on the side-lines but Town fans were delighted to see him appear from the bench for around twenty minutes towards the end of the game at York Road on Saturday.
The number seven looked well when he came on and showed endeavour to try and grab the full three points for The Shaymen. Heath will have to make the final decision on whether to reinstall Kosylo to the starting line up or whether to leave him on the bench to perhaps become the ‘super-sub’.
Match Officials
Referee: Paul Marsden
Assistant Referees: Elliott Herward/ Adam Burgess
Fourth Official: Darren Whatling
Match Coverage:
There will be live updates and commentary available on the club website and Shaymen TV.
You can also follow the action via Town’s official Twitter account, @FCHTOnline.
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