MATCH PREVIEW: Halifax Town

WHO ARE THE SHOTS PLAYING?

The Shots will be looking to build on Tuesday’s big turnaround win against Bromley as they return to the EBB Stadium to take on Halifax Town. Tommy Widdrington’s side moved into the top six following a win at Hayes Lane at the expense of Halifax Town following their 2-2 draw with Fylde on Tuesday.

The sides are seperated by two places but just one point, with Altrincham splitting the two sides in 7th place. Halifax Town in their current stint have been in the Vanarama National League since 2017/18. Following their relegation from the division in 2015/16 Halifax spent one season in the National League North, and were promoted straight back into step 1 of non-league via the playoffs in 2016/17.

Also known as “the Shaymen”, Halifax were founded in 2008, and play their games in the 14,000 capacity stadium the Shay. Their best finish of their current spell came in 2021/22, when they finished 4th, but lost to Chesterfield in the playoffs.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS:

It was a day to remember when Aldershot and Halifax last met at the EBB in the National League, as goals from Ryan Glover, Justin Amaluzor, Inih Effiong and a brace from Tyler Cordner gave the Shots a 5-1 win in front of the BT Sport cameras.

The most recent meeting at the EBB between the sides came in the FA Trophy, that game ending 2-0 to the visiting Shaymen as Millenic Alli and Harvey Gilmour scored the goals as Halifax went on their way to Wembley. The last meeting of the sides came in March last season as the Shots travelled to the Shay on a Tuesday night, the Shots again beaten 2-0 by goals from Alli and Gilmour.

LAST SEASON:

Halifax Town came 11th when the season came to an end last season. For them the Shay became a bit of a fortress, with the side winning 11 and drawing 6 of their 23 home games, only losing 6 in front of their home fans. Their away form left much to be desired, as only 5 wins and 11 losses in 23 games giving them the 17th worst away form in the National League.

Outside the National League the Shaymen had a season to remember, securing themselves a trip to Wembley against Gateshead in the FA Trophy final, a final which they eventually won 1-0, securing the FA Trophy title. The Shaymen went to the first round proper of the FA Cup following a win against St Ives Town in the fourth qualifying round, but were eliminated in the first round proper by National League South side Ebbsfleet.

23/24 SO FAR:

This season the Shaymen, much like the Shots, look like they have a real chance to challenge for the playoffs. Halifax had been in the top 7 as recently as Monday night, but Aldershot’s result at Hayes Lane and their draw against Fylde sees them going into this fixture with Tommy Widdrington’s side in 8th place. The side have improved their away form this season, with their 8 wins all season being split 50/50, 4 at the Shay and 4 on the road.

Unlike last season Halifax Town were unable to secure a place in the FA Cup first round proper this season as Marine knocked them out at the Shay 1-0 thanks to an 8th minute goal from Louis White. The side have been drawn in a clash of the playoff chasers in the FA Trophy as they will again play at the Shay against Altrincham.

IN THE DUGOUT:

Assistant of former manager Pete Wild Chris Millington is currently managing the Shaymen. Millington was given the job at Halifax ahead of the 2022/23 season having been with Wild since they met at Oldham, and was the assistant to Wild when the Shaymen last finished in the playoffs, and after Wild left for Barrow Millington was given his chance with the first team as Halifax looked to build on the foundations Wild built.

Millington won the side the FA Trophy last season, and this season now has them pushing for the playoffs.

TICKET INFO:

Tickets for the Shots’ game against Halifax are available HERE and are priced as follows: