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FC Halifax Town v Newcastle Blue Star: Tom to face Newcastle
TOM Baker is set to return to the FC Halifax Town side for tomorrow's clash with promotion rivals Newcastle Blue Star at the Shay (3.0).
But loan striker Ajay Leitch-Smith appears to have lost his battle to be fit to face the Tynesiders.
Neither player featured at Rossendale last weekend when Town's 10-game unbeaten run came to an end, Baker because of a gash on his leg and Leitch-Smith due to a strained hamstring.
And while he would have liked to have had both players available, boss Jim Vince is happy to have Baker back in the fold.
"Tom has been magnificent for us since he arrived and it is a real plus to have him back," said Vince. "Ajay will be another week and that is a shame."
Junior Brown, who was forced to leave the field at Dark Lane after taking a blow to the head, will be fit to play tomorrow.
And Damien Allen, who returned from injury last weekend, showed no reaction to the problem after completing a full 90 minutes in Lancashire.
Town struggled to break down Rossendale's resolute defence last week and were defeated after being caught on the break.
But Vince is not expecting Blue Star, who are fifth in the table and six points behind Town with three games in hand, to sit back as much as Rossendale did.
"Rossendale dug in, rode their luck and defended doggedly," he said. "Then they took their opportunity when it came along.
"Newcastle will come to the Shay to play and with the quality they have they will fancy their chances.
"That is what I am expecting them to do and I am planning for that.
"They have got big players and we will have to be right on the money.
"We have to be better in the final third and I do not mean just the strikers, but the midfield and defenders.
"We have to be better in open play and from set plays. I am looking for an improved performance and want us to be more dynamic."
Victory tomorrow would be a real boost for the Shaymen's promotion hopes, especially with third-placed Ossett Albion travelling to Lancaster City who are fourth.
Second-placed Bamber Bridge entertain Trafford, while Durham City, eight points behind the Shaymen with six games in hand, travel to Warrington Town.
FC Halifax Town (from): Kennedy, Coo, Brown, Meadowcroft, Adams, Barras, Phelan, Baker, Allen, Gedman, Stott, Smith, Ellison, Hinsley, King, Ellis.
SUPPORTERS' team AFC Halifax are in IFA Cup action tomorrow when they face Motherwell FC supporters on Savile Park Moor (10.30).
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Weather for Halifax
Saturday 11 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -1 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 2 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North west
