MATCH PREVIEW: Halifax

The Shots travel to the Shay in a big fixture for Tommy Widdrington’s side and their push for the top seven.

Aldershot are off the back of a three game unbeaten streak going into this weekend’s game against Halifax, picking up two draws against Bromley and Wealdstone as well as a convincing victory against fellow playoff hopefuls Rochdale last weekend.

The next test will be 10th placed FC Halifax Town. Also known as “the Shaymen”, Halifax are currently four points behind the Shots, but with a game in hand are presented the opportunity to go a point behind the Shots with an extra game to play.

Tommy Widdrington’s red and blue’s will be travelling to the Shay, home of both FC Halifax Town and rugby league team Halifax Panthers. Halifax have been in the stadium since they reformed as FC Halifax Town in 2007, but football in the Shay has been played since 1921, when the old Halifax Town beat Darlington 5-0 in front of 10,000 spectators in September 1921.

LAST TIME OUT:

The game at the Shay is the second meeting of Aldershot and Halifax this season, with the side visiting the EBB Stadium earlier in the season in a game which had just as big ramifications for both sides search for the top seven as tomorrow’s game has.

A stern defence against a free flowing attack looked as though it would produce a cracker, but neither side wanted to be the first to blink. After 45 the game was held at deadlock, and after a late free kick was cleared on the edge of Halifax Town’s box it would look as though it would end 0-0, however Haji Mnoga picked up the loose ball, and Lorent Tolaj swept home from close range in added time at the end of the second half to give Aldershot all the points in a 1-0 win.

SINCE WE MET:

The game after Halifax travelled to the EBB Stadium they were eliminated from the FA Trophy by Altrincham on penalties. The side have only lost twice since our last visit, away to Southend and Wealdstone, and have beaten Altrincham and Gateshead, drawing their other three games against Rochdale, Altrincham and Fylde.

NL FORM: LDLDW

IN THE DUGOUT:

Former assistant manager Chris Millington is now in the dugout at the Shay. Millington was the assistant to manager Pete Wild for three season and ahead of the 2022/23 season Millington was given a shot at managing the first team by Halifax. Millington hasn’t had a professional playing career, and began his career with Altrincham’s under 18’s before he worked at Stockport’s Centre of Excellence. Wild and Millington worked together in Oldham’s academy and were given first-team roles at the club, beating Fulham away in the FA Cup whilst in the dugout. Pete Wild left the side for Barrow in 2022, and Millington has continued to build on his foundations during his time at the club.

During his first season Millington got the side into 11^th in the table, finishing above former side Oldham and goal difference, and 2 points above Gateshead who they also met in the FA Trophy final last season, the Shaymen coming out on top at Wembley to win the FA Trophy last season.

TICKET INFO:

The Shots will travel to Halifax Town this Saturday, and prices are as follows: