December 11, 2023

Preview | FC Halifax Town (Isuzu FA Trophy)

Let's try this one again...

Words John Edwards | Picture Jonathan Moore

THE Robins hit the Isuzu FA Trophy trail TUESDAY EVENING (7:45pm) with a trip across the Pennines to take on holders FC Halifax Town in a REARRANGED third round tie at The Shay.

It is a welcome return to action for in-form Alty after the weather denied us the chance last weekend (and the weekend just gone) to build on the previous Saturday's spectacular 6-1 demolition of high-riding Solihull Moors.

An undeniably tough test against a team only two places below us in the National League also represents an opportunity to redress what happened when the sides last met in the Trophy at the beginning of April.

We were on the brink of our first final since the mid-80s when Halifax equalised with virtually the last kick and won the resulting penalty shoot-out to book their place at Wembley, where they beat Gateshead 1-0.

It was a hammer blow for Alty after having the better of the semi-final and creating the clearer chances, but Phil Parkinson and his players should head across the M62 in confident mood after an outstanding run of form in the league this season.

Though we have been without a league fixture for the past fortnight, there was a convincing Cheshire Senior Cup win over Stalybridge Celtic two Tuesdays back, in which players like Matty Kosylo, James Jones, Regan Linney and George Wilson all benefitted from valuable game time.

The Gaffer

"We've got Halifax three times in the space of a month, starting with this Trophy tie, and it is an opportunity to put right a few wrongs from last season. But nothing is given in this division, and we will have to earn it.

Halifax seem to have turned their season around and have a rich history in this division, as well as being holders of the Trophy. It will be a really tough test for us, but we are really looking forward to it. To get to the same point as last season, if not further, we are going to have to beat the best teams, and that certainly applies on Saturday."

Assistant manager Neil Sorvel

"It seemed to take forever to get over what happened that day. Beating them on Saturday isn't going to erase the pain, but it would at least go partway.It was a really tough one to take, because we were so close."

Last time at The Shay

Halifax 2 Altrincham 2 | January 1, 2023

A decent enough point, but after leading twice and seeing an offside flag deny us a last-gasp winner, Alty couldn't help feeling it should have been all three at the end of this enthralling New Year's Day encounter.

Elliot Osborne fired us in front with a shot from distance that slipped through keeper Sam Johnson's hands early on, and though Halifax levelled just after the hour-mark, Chris Conn-Clarke restored the lead with a brilliant free-kick in the 84th minute.

Back came the Shaymen two minutes later, but the Robins looked to have had the final say in added time, only for the flag to go up as Ryan Colclough's goalbound shot was touched over the line by substitute Marcus Dinanga from point-blank range.

Kit

We will be wearing our traditional home strip this Tuesday, courtesy of Puma – with thanks to kit sponsors J.Davidson Scrap Metal, McHale & Co. Solicitors and Car Finance 247.

Tickets

Buying tickets in advance is not required for this game - all supporters can pay on the night - CASH ONLY.