Aldershot Town v FC Halifax Town Match Preview – Saturday 6th October 2018
Having picked up their first away point of the season with their 1-1 draw at Hartlepool last weekend, Aldershot Town return to the EBB Stadium on Saturday to take on 10th placed FC Halifax Town. BBC Surrey Sport’s Rob Worrall previews the game:
Shots Squad:
Waddock will be without Jacob Berkeley-Agyapong, who came off injured at Victoria Park and is also unlikely to be able to call upon the services of Skipper Karleigh Osborne, Shamir Fenelon or James Rowe.
Opposition:
Name: FC Halifax Town
Founded: 2008 (following the demise of Halifax Town AFC)
Nickname: The Shaymen
Manager: Jamie Fullarton
Stadium: The MBI Shay Stadium
2017/18 National League position: 16th
2018/19 Current position: 10th
Brief History:
After almost 100 years, Halifax Town AFC were wound up following considerable tax debts in 2008. FC Halifax Town were formed in time for the following season, but having not been accepted into the Conference, Conference North or Northern Premier League Premier Division, they were eventually accepted into the Northern Premier League Division 1 North. Under Neil Aspin, the club achieved consecutive title and promotions in 2010 & 2011. The reached the play-offs in their first season in the Conference North and did so again the following season, going on to clinch promotion to Non-League’s top tier. They reached the play-offs in their first season in the Conference Premier, losing out to eventual winners Cambridge United. Two seasons later, they were relegated to the National League North, yet still won the FA Trophy Final at Wembley. Under new manager Billy Heath, they bounced straight back up and began last season strongly, only to finish a disappointing 16th, Heath departing mid-season.
The Gaffer:
Jamie Fullarton was appointed First Team Manager in February 2018. After retiring from the game, he coached at Nottingham Forest, Bolton Wanderers, Blackburn Rovers and Crystal Palace before joining the Shaymen.
Outgoings:
Fullarton conducted a major overhaul of his playing squad over the summer, releasing thirteen players and losing six others. Notable departures included; Scott McManus, Michael Collins, Jake Hibbs and Mike Fondop (now banging goals in for Wrexham). Several of last season’s players re-joined Heath, who took up the reigns at Alfreton, including last season’s top scorer Tom Denton, although Denton has since joined Chesterfield.
Incomings:
Just seven players remained at The Shay, including goalkeeper Sam Johnson, Skipper Matty Brown and tricky winger Matty Kosylo. Fullarton brought in a total of fourteen new players, nine of whom have Football League experience. Nathan Clark and Josh Staunton have bolstered the Halifax defence, along with Bradford loanee Jacob Hanson. In attack, Dayle Southwell (Guiseley), Jonathan Edwards (Hull City) and Jordan Preston (Gateshead) have notched eight goals between them already this season.
Referee:
Saturday’s referee is Sam Allison and this will be his sixth National League game. Last season, he refereed 19 National League matches, showing 71 Yellow cards and 5 Red cards. His only Aldershot Town game last season saw The Shots romp to a 6-0 home victory over Guiseley.
Commentary:
Andrew Raeburn will be providing live BBC Surrey Sport commentary of the game on Saturday afternoon. Tune in to the BBC Sport website (or the BBC Sport App) from 2:50pm for full match commentary.
