First Team News
First Team

Vanarama National League North News Roundup

Posted by Kelly Gilchrist
Posted on Sat 3 Dec 2016
Posted in First Team

FC Halifax Town staff, players and fans alike were disappointed in their 3-2 defeat to Matlock Town on Tuesday night, a result that saw the current holders of the FA Trophy bow out of the competition before even getting past the qualifying rounds.

However, another game beckons, this time against Eastleigh in the FA Cup Second Round. Sundayโ€™s game takes place down in Hampshire at National League sideโ€™s ground, Ten Acres, with the enticement of being in the hat for the Third Round draw a driving for both the Shaymen and the Spitfires to clinch the win.

But before the excitement and buzz of the FA Cup takes over, letโ€™s have a look at whatโ€™s being going down in the world of the National League Northโ€ฆ

Firstly, itโ€™s good news for Stockport County as Jim Gannon has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract which will keep him at the helm of the Hatters until May 2019. The County legend returned to his former club last January for his third spell and has taken charge of the club for a coMBined total of more than 280 games. After reaching the First Round of the FA Cup and having just beaten Bradford Park Avenue to advance to the First Round of the FA Trophy, itโ€™s no surprise that County chairman Richard Park has rewarded Gannon for his good results.

The news for Boston United fans, however, is not so pleasing as Dennis Greene has left the Pilgrims by mutual consent. Despite the play-offs evading his side in his first season at Boston, Greene was able to reach them in his next two years as manager. However this season has not been so kind and after taking only one win from their last seven games, including a 9-2 loss to league leaders AFC Fylde and a 4-1 defeat to the Shaymen, Greeneโ€™s time at the Jakemans Stadium has come to a close. Greeneโ€™s second-in-command, Martyn Bunce, will take charge of first team affairs.

In terms of other FA Trophy results, Matlock Town werenโ€™t the only team to spring a surprise in the Third Qualifying Round replays. Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Division One North side Farsley Celtic provided the biggest upset when they dispatched National League Northโ€™s Tamworth at the Lamb Ground. James Walshaw scored twice, Richard Marshall also got on the scoresheet, before Walshaw completed his hat-trick with five minutes left, leaving Andy Morrellโ€™s squad bewildered. Neil Parsleyโ€™s men face Southport in the next round on December 10th.

Ryman League Premier Division side Worthing also caused a few jaws to drop when they beat Hemel Hempstead 1-0 at Vauxhall Road. Despite being a man down, the Rebels were able to hold onto their one-goal lead, which was achieved thanks to Brennen Oโ€™Neillโ€™s close range finish, and advance to the First Round to face Dagenham & Redbridge.

Also, Evo-Stik League Southern Premier Division outfit Weymouth defeated local neighbours Poole Town in a Dorset derby. The Terras will travel to Whitehawk in the next round thanks to goals from Chris Shephard and Stuart Fleetwood on either side of half-time.

Other National League North teams were involved in FA Trophy action during the week, with Brackley avoiding an upset to Mickleover Sports, beating them 3-1. An all National League North tie also took place between Curzon Ashton and Worcester City with Carl Heeleyโ€™s side emerging victorious in a 2-1 win.

FC Halifax Town travel to Eastleigh on Sunday, kick-off at 2pm.

Read more posts by Kelly Gilchrist

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