Torquay United v FC Halifax Town preview

Here is our preview of FC Halifax Town’s National League clash at Torquay United.
By Tom Scargill
Published 19th Feb 2021, 16:14 GMT
TORQUAY, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 13: Gary Johnson, Manager of Torquay United reacts during the Vanarama National League match between Torquay United and Chesterfield at Plainmoor on October 13, 2020 in Torquay, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)TORQUAY, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 13: Gary Johnson, Manager of Torquay United reacts during the Vanarama National League match between Torquay United and Chesterfield at Plainmoor on October 13, 2020 in Torquay, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
TORQUAY, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 13: Gary Johnson, Manager of Torquay United reacts during the Vanarama National League match between Torquay United and Chesterfield at Plainmoor on October 13, 2020 in Torquay, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Venue: Plainmoor

Date: Saturday, February 20

Kick-off: 5.20pm

Referee: Matthew Russell. Has shown two red cards and 23 yellows in his eight National League games in charge this season.

Odds: Torquay win 3/4, draw 5/2, Halifax win 3/1


Last five games

Torquay: Sutton (h) D 0-0, Barnet (a) W 2-0, Altrincham (h) L 2-1, Southport (FAT a) W 2-0, Wealdstone (h) D 1-1

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Halifax: Southport (FAT h) L 2-1, Bromley (a) W 2-1, Wrexham (a) D 0-0, Maidenhead (h) L 3-2, Barnet (a) L 2-1


Manager: Gary Johnson. Former Yeovil and Bristol City boss who guided the club to promotion from the National League South before sealing a 15th placed finish in the fifth tier last season.

Position: 1st

One to watch: Midfielder Connor Lemonheigh-Evans has an eye for goal, already netting five times in 21 league games this season.


Match facts: Torquay have won more games (13) and scored more goals (42) than any other side in the National League this season.

Torquay have only won once in their last five home games

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The Gulls have only kept one clean sheet in their last nine home games

Town are the second highest scorers in the division (33)

Halifax have scored the first goal only once in their last seven away games

The Shaymen have only won once in their last six visits to Plainmoor

Halifax have only failed to score once in their last eight away matches

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Last time they met: Connor Lemonheigh-Evans scored the winner seven minutes from time after Jamie Allen had cancelled out Asa Hall’s opener as Torquay won 2-1 at The Shay in November.


Saturday’s National League fixtures:

Bromley v Maidenhead

Notts Co v Chesterfield

Barnet v Woking

Aldershot v Wrexham

Altrincham v Boreham W

Eastleigh v Stockport

Hartlepool v Yeovil

Sutton Utd v Wealdstone

Weymouth v Solihull M

Torquay v Halifax

Please note, there will be no live blog coverage of the game or post-match interview with Pete Wild on the Courier website on Saturday.

Related topics:National LeagueMatthew RussellTorquayFC Halifax TownTorquay United