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FC Halifax Town v Northwich Victoria: Aspin's waiting on trio
BOSS Neil Aspin will be checking on the fitness of a trio of players ahead of tonight's clash with Northwich Victoria at the Shay (7.45).
James Riley, Richard Marshall and Jamie Vardy were all substituted during the second half of Saturday's 3-2 win at Mickleover Spirts.
Riley suffered a cut to his face, Marshall took a blow when shooting and Vardy is still troubled by the heel problem that has been dogging him for much of the campaign.
Aspin is hopeful that all three will be able to take their places in the squad this evening, but will check on their arrival at the ground.
"Because James couldn't get the wound stitched at the ground or at hospital on Saturday night, it could open up again," said Aspin.
"I will have to speak to the physio, but it could be a case of him starting and us having our fingers crossed that he doesn't get a bang on it," he said.
"Richard Marshall should be all right and I would expect him to be available.
"Jamie Vardy is assessed on a game to game basis.
"It just depends how sore his heel feels."
The Shay chief added that it may be too early for Nathan Taylor to return.
The striker did not travel to Mickleover at the weekend having spent the evening of the Colwyn Bay game in hospital after being elbowed in the eye.
Aspin is keen to avoid making unnecessary changes to the side that picked up Town's first away win of the season at the weekend.
"I don't like chopping and changing," he said. "Even after a bad result I will give players a chance.
"But the disruption we have experienced in the early part of the season means it will take a little longer for us to get a settled side.
"There will be no changes for changes' sake, but everyone should be ready to play."
The Shaymen have played Northwich many times in recent seasons, although those encounters were at Conference level.
The Vics were demoted to the Evo-Stik Premier at the end of last season and have made a good start with four wins from their opening five games.
"Northwich have had their problems off the field but once they came into this league they were expected to do well," said Aspin.
"It is no surprise to me that they are at the top end of the table and they will be up there at the end of the season.
"It will be a good test for us and show us the standard of this division."
Their progress was halted when they were beaten at Nantwich on Bank Holiday Monday and that means a win for Town tonight would put them within a point of their rivals.
"You don't want anyone to run away with the league - unless it is us," said Aspin. "And the league is still settling down.
"But we are in a reasonable position and tonight is a game we desperately want to win."
FC Halifax Town (from): SeniorPlummer, Bower, Baker, Riley, Hogan, Marshall, Winter, Holland, Vardy, Garner, Hedge, Gray, Metcalfe, Dean, Taylor.
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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
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Light sleet showers
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