FC Halifax Town: Altrincham preview

FC Halifax Town kick off their home league campaign against Altrincham on Tuesday night (7.45pm),
Vanarama National League.
FC Halifax v Altrincham.
Halifax's Connor Hughes celebrates his winning goal.
26th March 2016.
Picture : Jonathan GawthorpeVanarama National League.
FC Halifax v Altrincham.
Halifax's Connor Hughes celebrates his winning goal.
26th March 2016.
Picture : Jonathan Gawthorpe
Vanarama National League. FC Halifax v Altrincham. Halifax's Connor Hughes celebrates his winning goal. 26th March 2016. Picture : Jonathan Gawthorpe

Both sides were relegated from the National League last season, but while Town began the new campaign with a 3-2 win at Nuneaton, Altrincham drew 2-2 at home to Darlington 1883.

Altrincham looked to have won thanks to an 89th minute penalty from Jake Moult, but Darlington equalised with a dramatic penalty of their own in the 94th minute.

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The two teams swapped a player each this summer, with striker Danny Hattersley joining Alty and midfielder Jordan Sinnott joining Halifax.

Hattersley wasn’t involved on Saturday, but former Town loanee Sam Patterson started the game at right-back.

Town boss Billy Heath confirmed winger Josh Macdonald came off during the second-half on Saturday with a slight injury, and was unsure whether captain Liam King would return from his back problem in time for Tuesday’s match.

“Josh Macdonald came off with a tweak to his groin, so we’ll have to look at that,” Heath said.

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“Liam has a back problem which is very difficult to judge or control.

“He felt great on Friday morning then he woke up on Saturday and there was no way he could play.

“He’s been to a chiropractor with it so we’ll monitor it and keep our fingers crossed.”

Town completed a double over Altrincham last season, winning 3-1 at Moss Lane in October in Darren Kelly’s sole league win as manager, before they won 1-0 at The Shay in March thanks to Connor Hughes’ goal.

The evening’s Conference North fixtures:

Alfreton v Gainsborough Trinity

Halifax v Altrincham

FC United of Manchester v Telford

Harrogate Town v Boston United

Kidderminster v Brackley Town

Stalybridge Celtic v Stockport

Tamworth v Worcester City