Almost exactly four years on from the last football match in Western Europe before lockdown, the Fleet return to The Shay seeking a similar result as that three-pointer. It is the Fleet Supporters Trust’s annual weekender and Danny Searle’s side will once again be backed strongly in the last trip north of Birmingham this season.
Form guide
The promotion party for Chesterfield in midweek was put on hold when they travelled to The Shay and Halifax came out victorious with a convincing 4-2 win. A brace from Rob Harker alongside strikes from Andrew Oluwabori and Aaron Cosgrave secured the three points for the Shaymen. It was an important victory that pushed them into the play-off places and, like Gateshead last weekend, they’ll be looking for maximum points against the Fleet to improve their top-seven chances. Alongside the Fleet, Halifax are the most in-form side in the league with seven wins in their last eight games. Their only defeat in that run came at Bromley.
Last time out
Halifax earned a 2-0 win at the Kuflink Stadium in October with a goal in each half to gain revenge for their FA Cup exit from the season before.
Who’s who
Long-serving goalkeeper Sam Johnson joined Halifax back in 2015 on an initial loan deal and has since played over 340 times for the club. He broke through Port Vale’s academy where he went on to make 23 appearances between the posts before loan spells at Stafford Rangers and Gateshead.
Midfielder Luke Summerfield arrived at The Shay in 2020 and has featured 28 times for the club this season. Summerfield joined from Wrexham having previously played for the likes of Grimsby, York and Plymouth Argyle.
Up front, Rob Harker joined from Burnley and spent a short loan spell at Hartlepool before joining the Shaymen in 2022. Harker has scored seven goals this season in 24 appearances.
The manager
Chris Millington was appointed as Halifax manager at the end of the 2021/22 season following a three-year spell as assistant with the club. Millington was also assistant at Oldham before joining the Shaymen and has since managed 86 times for the club, leading them to FA Trophy triumph at Wembley last season.
Ticket info
Tickets can only be purchased on the day at the turnstiles which is cash only. Halifax have released reduced prices for Non-League Day of £20 (adults), £17 (concessions), £5 (12-17) and U12s are free. Season ticket holders from other clubs (L2 and above) pay £15 on production of their season ticket.
