FC Halifax Town v Torquay: Opposition focus

What has been the secret to Torquay’s brilliant start to the season?

Not sure there’s a secret, but Gary Johnson and Aaron Downes have put together an excellent squad which has added some experience and guile to the youth and enthusiasm of last season. The addition of players like Dean Moxey and Danny Wright has been crucial. They are both very experienced pros - Moxey played in the premier league with Palace. Two great loan signings in the squad, too, Sam Sherring from AFC Bournemouth and Adam Randell of Plymouth Argyle have both been terrific assets.


Which player has impressed you most so far, and why?

Ben Whitfield has made a tremendous start to the season, playing on the left flank. He’s a Yorkshire lad, born in Bingley and a product of the Bradford City academy. We got him from Port Vale and he was Player of the Year last season. No reason to think he won’t be there or thereabouts again this time around.


Do you see Torquay as genuine promotion contenders this season?

Yes, definitely. I don’t expect this great start to the season to be a flash in the pan. They may not stay top all the way through, but I think they will hang around in the top three or four


What can Halifax expect to come up against on Saturday - what’s Torquay’s style of play?

Quick passing, loads of movement. Won’t let opponents settle on the ball. They will use Whitfield on one flank and a lad called Aaron Nemane on the other. He was a Manchester City youth player and has bags of pace. Also watch for central defender Kyle Cameron at set pieces.


Who will be your dangerman on Saturday and why?

Striker Danny Wright is the top scorer with six league goals so far. He and Whitfield will be the men to watch.


Injuries/suspensions?

Keeper Lucas Covolan missed the Boreham Wood game on Saturday but Shaun MacDonald is a more-than-capable stand-in. Midfielder Armani Little did not play on Saturday and is due to have a scan on a pelvic injury this week. Adam Randell will miss the game after being sent off on Saturday (one match ban - two yellows).


Expected line up and formation?

Randell’s absence makes it a bit of a puzzle, but probably a 4-4-1-1 with Covolan in goal if he is fit; Ben Wynter, Sam Sherring, Kyle Cameron and Dean Moxey across the back; Aaron Nemane, Asa Hall, Jake Andrews (or Armani Little if he is fit) and Ben Whitfield across the middle; Danny Wright up front with Connor Lemonheigh-Evans playing just behind him.

Follow all the action from the Halifax v Torquay clash at The Shay on Saturday with our Town writer Tom Scargill’s live blog at https://www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/sport/football/halifax-town, where there will also be an on-the-whistle match report and post-match reaction from Halifax boss Pete Wild.