Torquay United v FC Halifax Town preview

The Shaymen had the weekend off last weekend when their home game with Sutton was postponed due to Storm Dennis.

But Torquay have been out of action even longer, with their last game coming at the start of the month when they lost 2-1 at league leaders Barrow.

That was also the score when they last faced Halifax, when goals from Tobi Sho-Silva and Josh Staunton sealed Town's win in the FA Trophy.

But The Gulls won the previous league meeting between the sides, beating Town 4-2 at The Shay back in November.

Top-scorer Jamie Reid scored twice that day, and has bagged 20 in all competitions this season, with only Barrow's former Halifax loanee Scott Quigley scoring more than him in the National League this season.

Only three sides in the division have scored more goals than Gary Johnson's side, but they have only scored once in their last three home outings.

After a run of six straight defeats from early November to early December, Torquay, who sit 15th, have won three, drawn two and lost five of their last 10 matches.

Halifax had won five matches in a row and six out of eight before their hugely frustrating defeat to Halesowen at The Shay last time out in the FA Trophy.

Jeff King is suspended for the game, while defender Michael Duckworth is injured. Captain Matty Brown is set to return though after missing the last four games with an ankle problem.

Torquay are expected to be without full backs Ben Wynter and Liam Davis along with midfielder Matt Buse.

If The Shaymen win and fourth-placed Yeovil lose at Boreham Wood, then Pete Wild's side will go three points clear in second place, but defeat for Town and a Yeovil win or draw will see The Glovers move above Halifax in the table.

Follow all the action from Plainmoor on Saturday afternoon on our live blog at www.halifaxcourier.co.uk.

Saturday's National League fixtures:

Boreham Wood v Yeovil Town

Bromley v Wrexham

Chesterfield v Ebbsfleet United

Chorley v Barnet

Dagenham & Redbridge v Solihull Moors

Dover Athletic v AFC Fylde

Harrogate Town v Eastleigh

Hartlepool United v Notts County

Maidenhead United v Aldershot Town

Torquay United v FC Halifax Town

Woking v Stockport County

Sutton United v Barrow