FC Halifax Town and Morecambe FC meet in the First Round Proper of The FA Cup on Saturday (10th November) at The Globe Arena. Here’s a look at what lies ahead for The Shaymen on the west coast…
The Shaymen are into The First Round of The FA Cup for the first time since the 2016-17 season after beating Warrington Town 2-0 following a Fourth Round Qualifying Replay. Goals from Jordan Preston and Dayle Southwell guided Jamie Fullarton’s side into the next round.
They take on a Morecambe side managed by Jim Bentley. Bentley is the longest serving manager in The Football League, having managed The Shrimps since 2011. His side will be looking to reach The Second Round for the second consecutive season, having reached Round Two last season before bowing out to Shrewsbury Town 2-0.
This will be Halifax’s first competitive meeting with The Shrimps since 2006-07. The two teams last met when they were both in The National League in April 2007 when Morecambe won 4-0. This season saw Morecambe promoted to League Two as well as their first ever promotion to The Football League and they have remained in League Two ever since.
This season, Jim Bentley’s side currently sit in 20th place in League Two. They have won five, drawn two and lost ten of their 17 League Two games so far. Three of their victories this season have came at The Globe Arena, including their 2-1 win against Yeovil last time out, with goals from former Town frontman Ajay Leitch-Smith and Ryan Oates. Leitch-Smith and Oates are Morecambe’s joint top scorers in the league with five goals each so far this season.
As for The Shaymen, The FA Cup could come as a welcome distraction, having not won in the league since the end of August. Last time out, they were beaten 2-1 by Havant & Waterlooville with Niall Maher grabbing the only goal for Town. The defeat currently sees Halifax in 16th place in The National League table.
Halifax will definitely be without wide man Matty Kosylo for the trip to Lancashire as he is suspended.
Match Officials:
Referee: Darren Drysdale
Assistants: David Plowright/Joe Clark
Fourth Official: Thomas Parsons
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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