Morecambe v FC Halifax Town: Preview

FC Halifax Town turn their attentions to the FA Cup on Saturday when they travel to League Two side Morecambe in the first round (3pm).
FC Halifax TownFC Halifax Town
FC Halifax Town

The Shaymen’s only win in their last 14 games has come in the cup, when they beat Warrington 2-0 at The Shay on October 23.

Town have registered some good draws on the road at the likes of Wrexham, Sutton and Solihull, but their only away win of the season, excluding the West Riding County Cup, was their 2-0 victory at Braintree on the opening day of the season.

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Morecambe are 20th in League Two having won five, drawn two and lost 10 of their 17 league games so far this season.

Manager Jim Bentley is the longest-serving manager in English football, having been in charge of the club since May 2011.

Bentley joined Morecambe in 2002 and during his nine-year playing career there, much of it as captain, made 298 appearances, scoring 29 goals.

His popularity at the club was exemplified when supporters clubbed together to cover the £1,00 fine he received from the Football Association in January 2017 over a disciplinary matter.

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Bentley’s men started the campaign with nine defeats from their first 10 games, including a 6-0 opening day thrashing at Crewe, and defeats to Preston in the League Cup and Carlisle in the Football League Trophy.

But their second win of the season at home to Macclesfield on September 22 heralded an upturn in fortunes, which was the start of a run of four wins, two draws and four defeats in their last 10 matches.

Only three teams in League Two have scored fewer home goals than Morecambe, who have lost more home league matches than any other side in the division.

Morecambe have only kept two clean sheets in their 20 matches in all competitions this season, and have won three and lost seven of their 10 home fixtures.

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Town earned £25,000 for beating Warrington in last round, and will pocket an additional £36,000 if they reach the second round.

If the game ends in a draw, the replay is due to take place at The Shay on Tuesday, November 20.

Halifax lost their last meeting with Morecambe 4-0 in April 2007.