Boxing Day football, always one to savour! Here's your full preview of our home game with Halifax

By Joe Ward

 

Alty return to Vanarama National League action on Boxing Day when we host the first of our back-to-back fixtures against FC Halifax Town (Monday 3pm kick-off).

 

The Robins are back at The J.Davidson Stadium for what promises to be a thrilling end to the festive period as we look to extend our terrific run of six games unbeaten.

 

Phil Parkinson's players head into the game full of confidence following our 1-0 victory over Curzon Ashton in the Isuzu FA Trophy on Tuesday night.

 

Toby Mullarkey’s 72nd-minute goal was enough to confirm Alty’s progression to the fourth round, where we face Wrexham on 14th January at The J.Davidson Stadium.

 

Similarly, Halifax also progressed to the fourth round of the FA Trophy with a 1-0 win over Guiseley in their last game. Couple this with their admirable recent form in the league and Monday’s game is set up for a tight affair between two well-matched teams.

 

Manager's Views

 

Altrincham manager Phil Parkinson caught up with Brian Flynn this Tuesday following our 1-0 victory over Curzon Ashton in the third round of the Isuzu FA Trophy at The J.Davidson Stadium.

 

 

About The Opposition

 

The Shaymen currently sit 10th in the league table, just two points off a play-off position, mainly thanks to a commendable home record that’s proudly perched at seventh best in the league. However, the Robins will be looking to exploit their not-so-favourable away form before our return fixture across the Pennines on New Year's Day.

 

FC Halifax Town were formed only 14 years ago after they replaced Halifax Town A.F.C. which went into administration in 2008. Nevertheless, despite the side’s short history, our paths have frequently crossed in both the National League North and the National League divisions, as well as the FA Trophy where the West Yorkshire side beat us 5-2 at The Shay in 2012. 

 

Manager Chris Millington, who joined the club in May 2022, has done a good job of handling expectations following the Shaymen’s impressive 4th-placed finish last season. His side head into Monday’s game in brilliant league form, having only lost one of their last seven matches.

 

It’s hard to predict which names we’ll see on the team sheet for Halifax as they still have one more game to play before Monday against Albion Sports in the West Riding County Cup.

 

In an interview with Shaymen TV, shortly after their FA Trophy tie, Chris Millington said: “For any lads who didn’t play tonight, we’ll look to get them as many minutes into their legs. It’s so we’ll have a full squad who are ready and prepared to go out and perform on Boxing Day.

 

“It’s been such a while since our last league game that all the starting positions are up for grabs. We want to make sure as many lads as possible have got as many minutes as possible in their legs,  to stake a claim for a starting position.”

 

Recent Meetings

 

National League 21/22:

 

Altrincham 1-1 FC Halifax Town, 15th April 2022

FC Halifax Town 2-0 Altrincham, 30th August 2021

 

National League 20/21:

 

Altrincham 0-1 FC Halifax Town, 10th April 2021

FC Halifax Town 3-2 Altrincham, 28 December 2020

 

Ticket Information

 

Adult

£19

Concession (Over 65 / Student / NHS

£15

Junior (12-18)

£7

Child (Under 12)

£2

Buy your tickets here online to reduce queueing times!

 

A reminder that the Half Season Tickets will become applicable from Monday’s Boxing Day game against FC Halifax Town onwards.

 

On sale until Saturday 7th January, the Half Season Tickets represent outstanding value for the remaining 12 home fixtures of our Vanarama National League campaign.

 

Get yours here!

 

Matchday Information

 

Turnstiles will open at 1.30pm.

 

Please note there will be the option to pay by cash at the turnstiles on the day. There is an ATM opposite the ground at the convenience store.

 

Alternatively, you can buy in advance online.

 

We kindly ask all supporters – home and away – to arrive early to ensure you are in the ground in plenty of time for kick-off and avoid late queues. 

 

We are pleased to announce that the Fan Zone will be open for Monday’s fixture against FC Halifax Town.

 

Please note that all supporters will be searched with a metal detector on entry to the stadium for your safety. 

 

A food menu is available in all three food outlets, offering a wide range of options to home and away fans.

 

For wheelchair or pushchair access, please enter gate 5 and you will be looked after. 

 

The matchday programme will once again be available to purchase around the stadium and the club shop will be open. 

 

Grab your copy of the matchday programme in advance here.

 

Parking is street only. 

 

And last but not least … 

We sincerely hope that both sets of fans have a wonderful Christmas and we look forward to welcoming you all for the game this Boxing Day!

 

Altrincham v Oldham Athletic

Altrincham FC

Altrincham v Oldham Athletic

$25.76 USD