FC Halifax Town v Tranmere: Preview

There should be a buoyant mood at The Shay after Town secured their National League status for next season last weekend, despite losing 1-0 at Torquay.

Halifax can finish no higher than 12th, but no lower than 20th.

Forward Ben Tomlinson (pictured) will be suspended after his red-card at Torquay last Saturday.

Halifax are unbeaten in their last six home games, and have not lost at The Shay in two months.

Second-placed Tranmere have won seven of their last eight games and have the division’s top-scorer in 25-goal striker Andy Cook, who has 12 goals in his last nine appearances.

Tranmere can still finish top of the league, but need to claim at least seven of their remaining nine available points and hope leaders Macclesfield lose both their last two games.

Only Fylde have scored more goals in the National League than Tranmere, while only Wrexham and Dover have conceded fewer goals.

Halifax’s last win against Tranmere came in September 1987, when Town beat them 2-1 at The Shay on a Friday night.

Saturday’s National League fixtures:

Eastleigh v Macclesfield

Leyton Orient v Wrexham

Chester v Maidstone

Bromley v Boreham W

Aldershot v Barrow

Dover v Gateshead

Dag & Red v Maidenhead

Ebbsfleet v Sutton Utd

Halifax v Tranmere

Guiseley v Woking

Hartlepool v Torquay

AFC Fylde v Solihull M