Ossett Albion v FC Halifax Town: Jim shuffles Town squad
Published Date:
23 September 2008
By Dave Fletcher
FC Halifax Town boss Jim Vince includes recent signings Scott Phelan, Danny Ellis, Anthony Hilton and Miles Smith in his squad for tonight's Unibond League President's Cup first round clash at Ossett Albion (7.45).
And striker Ryan Sugden could make his first start since returning to the Shay alongside assistant manager Nigel Jemson in attack.
Vince is also likely to use Luke Hinsley, Craig Smith and Adam Morning while Phil Senior will get his first start in goal since the 3-0 defeat at Lancaster on Bank Holiday Monday.
And the manager has laid down a challenge to the players who will be on show tonight.
"No one at the club will walk straight into the team," he said. "They have to play their way in and I am looking for good performances from them this evening.
"It may seem harsh to judge players on one game, but that's reality.
"The players have a point to prove.
"I am not looking for players who are okay - I want better than that."
While Phelan and Ellis made second half appearances in Saturday's 7-1 demolition of Salford City at the Shay, Hilton and Smith will be making their debuts.
So will Sugden who has yet to feature for the Shaymen after suffering a thigh injury before the pre-season clash at Guiseley.
"Ryan has been with us for seven or eight weeks but seems to have always been on the periphery because he has needed treatment," said Vince. "It is a big chance for him tonight."
Senior will be especially keen to make an impression having lost the number one shirt to Jon Kennedy after a couple of games between the sticks.
And Vince admitted when he left the former Huddersfield stopper out of his side that he had been unlucky.
"Phil wants to play and was disappointed to have been left out," said Vince.
"But he knows the situation and he has accepted it."
Town faced Ossett in a pre-season game which almost boiled over with Vince unhappy by the opposition's robust approach.
But he is not expecting that to have any bearing on tonight's encounter.
"Tonight is a competitive game and you will see a difference."
FC Halifax Town (from): Senior, C Smith, Hinsley, Adams, Moore, Ellis, M Smith, Hilton, J Smith, Sugden, Jemson, Morning, Davidson, King, Kennedy.
JIM Vince will be the open to question guest at Thursday's Halifax Town Supporters' Club meeting in the South Stand Bar (8pm),
The meeting also includes the AGM and is open to all. Membership will be available on the evening.
The full article contains 441 words and appears in Evening Courier newspaper.
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Last Updated:
23 September 2008 8:18 AM
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Source:
Evening Courier
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Location:
Halifax