Halifax Town Preview

[Match Reports]

__________________ Halifax Town vs York City
___________________________The Shay, Halifax
_____________________iMonday 29th August 2005, 5.15pm
__________________________


York City travel to neighbouring Halifax Town on a 4 game unbeaten run, sitting in 4th place in the Conference table after a superb start to the season. Friday night's comeback 2-1 win against Woking wasn't their best display of the season, but it was a welcome three points against opposition that only just missed out on a play - off place last season.

For City, boss Billy McEwan has an interesting dillema regarding centre backs - he can either continue with Friday's man of the match James Dudgeon, or bring in captain Mark Hotte back to the team. However, there will be one enforced change at least - on loan striker Darren Mansaram cannot play against his current employers Halifax. McEwan could turn to Andy Bishop - who made it two goals for the season with a superbly converted penalty against Woking, despite not actually starting a game yet. He might also bring in former Halifax winger Ryan Mallon or ex - Scarborough forward David Pounder. In midfield, Yalcin's impressive substitute appearance against Woking could trigger a first appearance of the season, but Dunning has been in reasonable form this season and McEwan may want to keep his midfield engine room the same. Clayton Donaldson, James Dudgeon, and Ryan Mallon all have played for the Shaymen so will be eager to impress should they get the chance.

Halifax Town will be hoping that a couple of injured players will be able to return to the side for Monday's game. Martin Foster recovered from injury to play at FGR, and Lewis Kelleen, who scored their goal at Bootham Crescent in the 1-1 draw last season marked by "that" Donovan goal, was ruled out of the Forest Green game, but may well be back to take on the Minstermen. The side also contains a number of veterans, with one of them, former Sheffield Wednesday player Peter Atherton, also a doubt because of an injury sustained in the FGR match. Players who City should beware of include ex - Scarborough striker Chris Senior, who netted against FGR, and caused City all sorts of trouble in the derby games last year. Other faces to look out for include winger Craig Midgley, another ex - Scarborough player who can torment teams with his ability down the wings, and also they have experience in midfield with Ingram and Brabin.

Halifax, meanwhile, have had a mixed start to the season and currently have 5 points, sitting in midtable. On Saturday, they gained a useful point in a 2-2 draw at a vastly improved Forest Green Rovers - with former Scarborough striker Chris Senior amongst the goalscorers.

How the Teams Line-Up

York City (Possible Team) – Porter; Price, McGurk, Dudgeon, Peat; Convery, Panther, Dunning; Bishop, O'Neill, Donaldson.
Substitutes; Afandiyev, Mallon, Hotte, Merris, Yalcin.

Halifax Town (Possible Team) – Dunbavin; Doughty, Young, Ingram, Haslam; Midgley, Foster, Brabin, Thompson; Kelleen, Senior.
Substitutes; Butler, Bowler, Grant, Leister, Sugden.

Form Guide

York City – DWDW – Crawley (H), Southport (A), Grays (A), Woking (H)

Halifax Town – LWDD - Morecambe (A), Burton (H), Aldershot (H), Forest G (A)

Halifax Town Travel Information

By Car: Take the A64 Westbound, when you reach the junction with the A1 and M1, take the M1 Southbound. Leave the M1 at junction 42 and take the M62 Westbound. At Junction 26, take the A58 and follow the signs for Halifax, then brown tourist signs for the Shay. Car Parking: The Shay Pub offers parking at £2 per car and there is also a pay and display car park near to the ground. There is some street parking to be had, but only if you arrive early. Also remember that Monday is a bank holiday, so there may be longer travelling times.

By Train: There is a direct train service to Halifax, for more details click www.thetrainline.com to find times. Prices are £10.10 adults, £6.65 Railcard holders and £5.05 under 16s. The Shay is about 10 minutes from Halifax station. Turn left out of the train station and head straight forward towards The Shay Hotel. An alley to the right of the pub leads past the North Stand turnstiles, changing rooms and ticket office.

Prices (Last Season's): £12 adults, £6 students, £6 under 16s, £6 over 60s, £2 under 12s.

Related Links

Catch A Match / Away Travel
Travel Information for Halifax (If it is updated)

YorkCityFC.com Prediction League

Official Halifax Town Website
Halifax Town Mad
Shaymen Online
HTFC Message Board

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