And midfielder Ross Clegg says they cannot wait to make their bow at a stadium which will be one of the top two, along with Newcastle Blue Star's, in Unibond League Division One North.

The Geordies, who with Town are expected to be among the top sides in the division this season, play their home games at Kingston Park, home of the Guinness Premiership rugbu union outfit Newcastle Falcons.

But the Shay has the League history and Clegg says that and the club's name meant he had no hesitation in signing up for Jim Vince's squad

"I can't wait to play at the ground," he said "The stadium is brilliant.

"As soon as he said Halifax there was no second thought in my mind.

"I definitely wanted to be a part of it.

"It is a challenge, but I can't wait for the season to start."

Clegg was one of only four players to play the full 90 minutes in Saturday's game against Blue Square North Tamworth.

But boss Vince knew he could handle a full stint and Clegg clearly revelled in the challenge.

"I loved it," he said. "It was good to be playing again.

"It is always great to get the first game under your belt and we can go on from here.

"The friendlies are all steps in the right direction for the squad.

"You could tell Tamworth had played a couple of games and it will come for us.

"It was our first match and I thought we did well.

"We had a couple of chances, but the first game of pre-season is always tough.

Town were backed at the Lamb Ground by a sizeable contingent of travelling fans in a crowd of 618.

And their support did not go unnoticed by the players.

"It was unbelievable," said Clegg. "Seeing all the fans there was great and the reception we got was unbelievable.

"For them all to turn up at Tamworth for a friendly it is looking good."