FC Halifax Town v Gainsborough preview

FC Halifax Town have the chance to move back into the play-off places if they beat Gainsborough at The Shay on Tuesday (7.45pm) and other results go their way.
By The Newsroom
Published 20th Mar 2017, 16:32 BST
Updated 24th Mar 2017, 10:42 BST
Actions from Halifax Town v Gloucester, at the Shay. Town boss Billy Heath says Matty Brown could be out for the rest of the season after injuring his hamstring on SaturdayActions from Halifax Town v Gloucester, at the Shay. Town boss Billy Heath says Matty Brown could be out for the rest of the season after injuring his hamstring on Saturday
Actions from Halifax Town v Gloucester, at the Shay. Town boss Billy Heath says Matty Brown could be out for the rest of the season after injuring his hamstring on Saturday

Town lost 1-0 at home to Gloucester on Saturday, their second defeat in three games, and fell out of the top five as a result.

But if they win and lose or draw away to leaders Fylde, The Shaymen will regain their place in the play-off spots.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

There are other significant games on Tuesday night in the race for promotion, with second-placed Salford hosting fourth-placed Chorley, and eighth-placed Tamworth at home to Kidderminster, who are third.

If Town lose and Tamowrth and Stockport win, Billy Heath’s side could find themselves down in eighth place, four points adrift of the play-offs.

Heath didn’t rule out adding to his squad before the game after revealing defenders Matty Brown and Josh Wilde had “no chance” of being involved on Tuesday.

“Matty Brown has popped his hamstring so he’s probably out for the season,” Heath said. “Josh Wilde hasn’t done his hamstring, it’s more the top of his glute, which is going into his backside. We’ll have to see how he is but Tuesday will be to early for him.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Halifax lost the reverse fixture 3-2 earlier in the season, one of their worst results of the campaign. That was one of only seven wins all season for Gainsborough, who are in the relegation zone on goal difference.

They lost 1-0 at Tamworth on Saturday, their fourth consecutive defeat, and their sixth in their last seven matches. They have not kept a clean sheet in their last 16 games, and only Alfreton and Altrincham have conceded more than them in the National League North.

Halifax keeper Tom Nicholson is on loan at Gainsborough, but won’t be allowed to play in the game due to a clause in the deal.

Tuesday’s National League North fixtures:

AFC Fylde v Stockport County

Alfreton Town v Boston United

Altrincham v Nuneaton Town

FC Halifax Town v Gainsborough Trinity

Salford City v Chorley

Stalybridge Celtic v Harrogate Town

Tamworth v Kidderminster Harriers

Worcester City v Brackley Town

Related topics:FC Halifax TownGainsboroughGloucester