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Durham City v FC Halifax Town: Sykes set to return to side
PAUL Sykes is set to make his first appearance for almost three months when Town travel to Durham for a League Cup third round clash tonight (7.45).
The former Stalybridge Celtic man has not played since breaking his arm in the 1-0 win at Lancaster City on September 5.
He had been expected to be out for six weeks, but suffered complications having broken the same arm last season.
Intensive treatment over the past couple of weeks means he is now ready to return.
"We had thought he would be back sooner than this," said Aspin. "He had different treatment and that has proved to be very good.
"He is feeling stronger and said he was ready to be included on the bench at Guiseley at the weekend."
Strikers Jamie Smith and Kevin Sanasy are also set to start this evening as Aspin rings the changes.
"I don't want to get into a habit of chopping and changing," he said. "After Christmas when we will have a run of league games I will field what I believe is my strongest side."
Town will face a Durham side that has lost all 18 of its league games and shipped 95 goals into the bargain after being told they could get no higher than Unibond Premier with their artificial pitch.
That had a knock on effect to the club's income and they were forced to allow their senior players to leave.
"It is really strange," said Aspin. "They did really well last season and deserved to get promotion.
"They played some very good football and were a credit to the league.
"Obviously coming from County Durham I was disappointed to see what happened to them.
"Non League football is based on finance and if you don't have it, you don't get players.
"But I don't really know what to expect tonight because they have suffered some massive defeats but only lost 3-2 to Guiseley."
While some players will get game time this evening others, like Aaron Hardy who is recovering from a knock on the ankle, may not be risked on the 3G surface.
"You have to be sensible on that surface because it does not suit some injuries," he said.
"We will get there, have a little look at the pitch and assess whether anyone should sit it out."
Competition rules state that seven of the squad from the previous match have to be included.
FC Halifax Town (from): Hedge, Senior, Codman, Lowe, Hotte, Sykes, Riley, Payne, Phelan, Baker, Peers, Gray, Dean, Harrison, Richardson, Sanasy, Smith.
DUE to unforeseen circumstances, the presentation of T shirts to the Junior Blues will not take place on Saturday as planned. Members will be advised of a new date as soon as possible.
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Weather for Halifax
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light sleet
Temperature: 0 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -0 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South
