FC Halifax Town vs. Leigh Genesis preview

After suffering a 1-0 defeat at third-placed Colwyn Bay on Tuesday evening, Leigh Genesis face another testing away trip on Saturday afternoon when they travel over the Pennines to take on FC Halifax Town at the Shay.

The venue is a familiar one for Leigh supporters, with the clubs having met previously when they were both in the Nationwide Conference, while the ground also home to Halifax RLFC. Since then, both clubs have undergone huge changes, with the original Halifax Town AFC going out of business and since being re-formed at a lower level as FC Halifax Town, while Leigh were still known as RMI when they last visited the Shay.

That last visit came in April 2005 when Leigh, already facing relegation to the Conference North, led 1-0 at half-time but ended up suffering a 5-1 defeat.

Despite their mixed record away from home so far this season, seventh-placed Genesis will be confident of a positive result, even when bearing in mind Halifax's formidable defensive record of conceding just four goals in seven league games so far this season.

Leigh defender Karl Munroe will be missing from Garry Flitcroft's line-up as he serves the final game of the three match ban he received following his red card against Lancaster last month, while left back Kris King will have a point to prove when he lines up against the club he departed to join Leigh last season.

Although it involves travelling over to West Yorkshire, the trip to Halifax is a particularly simple one from Leigh via the M62, leaving at junction 24 to follow the A629 which eventually leads in to Halifax, with the ground signposted from the A629. There is a small amount of car parking at the ground, while there is also a large car park opposite the stadium at a B&M Bargains store.

For those wishing to travel on public transport, there are regular trains to Halifax from Manchester Victoria, with the ground situated roughly half a mile from the train station. Simply turn left from the station exit and follow the road until the stadium comes in to view.

Admission costs £10 for adults and £7 for over 65's, full-time students and under 16's, with only the seated Skircoat Stand along one touchline and the terraced South Stand behind one goal being open.

Hosts Halifax go in to the game on the back of a 3-0 midweek win at Salford City that cemented the Shaymen's position as joint-leaders with Curzon Ashton in the UniBond League First Division North, two points clear of third-placed Colwyn Bay.

Kick off at the Shay is at 3pm on Saturday afternoon.