Gary Johnson’s men return to Plainmoor for the first time in 2023 on Saturday, where they will face FC Halifax Town.
The two sides last met at The Shay back in August, where United’s first away fixture of the current campaign also marked their first win of the season, with Brett McGavin’s goal securing a 1-0 victory. Saturday’s encounter will provide Gary Johnson’s side their first opportunity of a league double this season, as Chris Millington’s Shaymen head to Plainmoor.
Who’s the Boss?
Chris Millington stepped up to the helm following the conclusion of last season following the departure of Pete Wild, of whom, Chris had served as Assistant Manager to, he has been at the club in since 2019. Chris began his coaching career with Altrincham’s Under-18 side, before going on to enjoy a short stint at Stockport County, in their Centre of Excellence.
Chris also briefly worked abroad coaching in Croatia, before his return to England saw him link-up with Pete Wild at Oldham, the duo managed the first-team on two occasions following managerial departures, with one spell also including a memorable FA Cup win against Fulham.
How have they been doing?
Beginning the New Year with a 2-2 draw against Altrincham at The Shay, the draw marked an end to their six game unbeaten run at home, with the sides last three away fixtures seeing them lose two (Altrincham and Yeovil) and draw one (Bromley). Having played 24 games, Millington’s Shaymen currently sit in 14th on 32 points following 9 wins, 5 draws and 10 defeats.
Player to Watch
Jordan Keane arrived at The Shay on a two year deal over the summer following a four-year stint at Stockport County where he tallied 148 appearances and won two league titles. The 29-year-old’s versatility has seen him deployed in both central defence and central midfield, with Keane recently captaining Halifax in their 2-2 draw against Altrincham on New Year’s Day.
Halifax’s number 16 began his career at Stoke and went on to play for the likes of Alfreton, Lincoln, Nuneaton, and a spell at Worcester preceded his stint at Edgeley Park.
Played for Both
Nicky Wroe was a key component in Paul Buckle’s side that were promoted to League Two via the play-offs at the conclusion of the 2008/09 season. During a spell at Notts County, Wroe enjoyed a loan stint at Halifax, before signing a deal with the Shaymen in January 2016. The midfielder enjoyed success with the Yorkshire side, when he captained the side to FA Trophy victory at Wembley later that year.
Wroe began his career at Barnsley, and also has two England Caps. The midfielder made over 300 Football League appearances and has also played for the likes of York City, Bury, Shrewbury – where he enjoyed promotion to League One – Preston North End and Oxford United.
Previous Encounter
Torquay United 1 – 0 FC Halifax Town, February 2020, National League.
It was United who put an end to the Shaymen’s unbeaten run in February 2020, which saw Gary Johnson’s side inflict a first league defeat on Halifax, who has been unbeaten since Boxing Day 2019. A second half goal by debutant Ade Azeez saw United run out 1-0 victors.
Following a closely contended first half, it was United who broke through on 68 minutes, when Azeez was on hand to nod home from close range after Asa Hall’s initial effort had been blocked by the Halifax ‘keeper.
In blustery conditions, the game saw the side return to action for the first time in 21 days following two postponements. The visitors went close in the final moments of the game, when substitute Jack Redshaw was denied by the crossbar, but United were able to see the game out and secure all three points.