Gary Johnson’s men start the first of back-to-back away trips on Saturday, when they head to Yorkshire to take on FC Halifax Town.
Following last weekend’s goalless draw against Oldham Athletic in the National League opening fixture at Plainmoor, United travel to The Shay to meet FC Halifax, and will be looking to build on last Saturday’s point.
Who’s the Boss?
Chris Millington previously served as Assistant to Pete Wild since his arrival at The Shay in 2019, however upon Pete’s departure following the conclusion of the 21/22 campaign, Chris has stepped up to take the helm at Halifax.
His coaching career began with Altrincham’s under-18s, before he also enjoyed a spell at Stockport County, in their Centre of Excellence.
Chris then went on to briefly work abroad coaching in Croatia, and linked up with previous manager Pete Wild at Oldham – where the duo managed the first-team on two occasions following departures, with their stints seeing them win eight, draw three, and lose six of their 17 games at the helm, including FA Cup victory over Fulham.
How have they been doing?
FC Halifax Town will be looking to build upon last season’s fourth placed finish – however, following their play-off eliminator defeat to Chesterfield, the Shaymen have had to rebuild over the summer, following the departure of a number of key players, and their manager, Pete Wild.
Following a mixed bag of results in their pre-season friendlies, Millington’s Shaymen began the season with a 2-0 defeat at Barnet, and will be looking to get back on track when United visit The Shay this weekend.
Player to Watch
Jordan Slew arrived at The Shay as FC Halifax Town’s fourth summer signing, ahead of last season. The 29-year-old scored 11 goals in 45 appearances for The Shaymen last time out.
Slew’s career began at his hometown club Sheffield United, where he enjoyed much success. After making his debut in October 2010, he went on to score twice in eight appearances, and was also a key component in their youth team making the FA Youth Cup Final.
The striker made one appearance for England’s under-19 side, and went on to become a £1m transfer for Premier League side Blackburn Rovers. During his four year stint at Ewood Park, Slew spent time out on loan at the likes of Stevenage, Oldham Athletic, Rotherham United, Ross County, and Port Vale.
The 6ft3 forward then went on to spend two seasons at Cambridge United from 2015, and has since played for the likes of Chesterfield, Plymouth Argyle, Rochdale, Boston, and Morecambe.
Slew enjoyed promotion during his time at Plymouth Argyle (2016/17), and Morecambe (2020/21).
Played for Both
Following his arrival in England, from his native Holland in the summer of 2015, Manny Duku played for the likes of Chesham United, Hemel Hempstead, King’s Langley, Banbury, and Hayes & Heading, where he netted 33 goals, in 39 games, before Gary Johnson brought the forward to Cheltenham.
Following a loan spell at Barnet, Duku then spent a loan stint with The Shaymen during the 2018/19 season, during which he scored 3 goals in 12 appearances.
The 29-year-old arrived at Plainmoor in June 2019, and made 16 appearances for United, before departing in the December. Since his departure from the English Riviera, Duku has played for the likes of Scottish Championship sides Raith Rovers, and Inverness, before spending last season at Havant & Waterlooville, and over the summer, has since signed for newly-promoted National League side, York City.
Previous Encounter
FC Halifax Town 1 – 2 Torquay United AFC, 21st November 2020, National League.
Skipper Asa Hall’s opener was cancelled out by an early second-half equaliser by Jamie Allen, before a late winner from Connor Lemonheigh-Evans secured the points for Gary Johnson’s men.
The game saw FC Halifax Town remain without a win since the opening day of the season, meanwhile United continued their goalscoring form, as Gary Johnson’s side had scored in every game so far that season.
Despite chances for both sides early on, it was United who struck on 17 minutes. After Kyle Cameron and Ben Whitfield combined down the wing, the latter’s cross found Hall, who buried home.
The game continued in a similar fashion for the remainder of the first half, and into the second, before in the 53rd minute, the scores were levelled. A ball to the feet of Allen, with his back to goal 20 yards out, seemed to herald little danger, however an untimely slip from Warren presented the Halifax forward with ample time to pick his spot, before clipping the ball past MacDonald to make it all-square.
United were not deterred though, and continued to press the Halifax defence, and in the 83rd minute, broke the deadlock. A cross from Ben Wynter went beyond the far-post, and fell for Lemonheigh-Evans, who controlled the ball well, before firing the ball through a crowd of players, and into the net.
United withstood the predictable onslaught of balls into the box that followed with some determined and brave defending, before the final whistle eventually rewarded their efforts with another valuable three points.
Ticketing Information:
Tickets for this match can be purchased solely via the turnstiles on the day of the game, with prices listed below:
- Adult £21
- Concession £18
- 12-17s £9
- U12s £4
Programme Information:
United supporters wishing to buy a matchday programme at the game tomorrow are reminded that programmes must be purchased from Reception at The Shay, before entering the ground.
FC Halifax Town v Torquay United | 13/08/2022 3pm KO | The Shay Stadium, Halifax, HX1 2YS (Sat Nav: HX1 2YT)