Tomorrow’s National League fixture sees FC Halifax Town make a swift return visit, following their FA Trophy tie here in South Devon only a few weeks ago.
Although United produced one of their best performances of the season to triumph 4-2 at The Shay back in November, a tough prospect is in store against a team that secured progress through to the Trophy 3rd round at United’s expense, following a 2-1 victory here at Plainmoor.
Who’s The Boss?
Pete Wild was appointed as Halifax manager in July, following the departure of previous boss Jamie Fullarton. A decade at Oldham Athletic saw Pete serve the club admirably in a number of roles, with the highlight coming last January as he masterminded a 1-0 FA Cup win over Premier League side Fulham during his spell as caretaker manager.
How Have They Been Doing?
Town started the season in excellent form, with the side topping the early National League table in late September with seven wins and a draw from their opening nine matches. A 5-0 drubbing in their top-of-the-table clash at Bromley signalled a temporary downturn in form, however Wild’s team have regrouped following the festive period, and they come into this match in 3rd position, with 55 points from their 33 games.
Player To Watch
Devante Rodney signed on loan from Salford City for a second time, having had a great spell with the Shaymen last season, before enjoying a brief loan spell at divisional rivals Stockport County earlier this season, during which time he notched against The Gulls at Plainmoor in November. Having began his career in the youth teams at Manchester City and Sheffield Wednesday, Devante took the step into the professional ranks at Hartlepool United, before making the permanent move to Salford in 2018.
Played For Both
23 year-old striker Shawn McCoulsky has enjoyed brief loan spells both clubs. Arriving at Plainmoor during the 2016/17 season, Shawn was never given a real opportunity to impress in Kevin Nicholson’s side. The former Bristol City trainee went on to enjoy fruitful loan spells at Bath City and Newport County, where he scored a memorable late winner in their FA Cup 3rd round match against Leeds United. A permanent move to Forest Green 12 months ago has prompted two more loan spells at National League level, with a move to Bromley preceding his arrival at The Shay in December. McCoulsky notched his solitary goal for the club in Halifax’s 4-2 home defeat to Notts County ahead of the festive period, before returning to his parent club once more.
Previous Encounters
Town’s previous guise saw them compete with United on a regular basis during their Football League days together, and the two sides have renewed their rivalry in non-league’s top tier since Halifax Town AFC’s dissolution in 2008. The last meeting between the two sides at Plainmoor was almost two years ago, when it was Gary Owers’ side who emerged as 1-0 winners, thanks to Jamie Reid’s second-half strike. Town’s task was made all the more difficult late on, as they were reduced to ten men following striker Ben Tomlinson’s red card.
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Vanarama National League | Torquay United Vs FC Halifax Town | Plainmoor TQ1 3PS | 22/02/20 3pm KO