By Rupe
April 12 2002

Only two games to go, and this saturday it is the Shaymen's turn to make the long trip to Torquay. Unfortunately the only thing left to play for is pride. Will Town be up to the task or will the long trip affect the players?

It's not too long ago that this fixture looked as though it could be the decider of the season. Both me and our Cuth were really looking forward to this game a couple of months ago - a trip to the seaside when the weather is picking up, a decider between the two bottom clubs and an air of optimism, but unfortunately the only thing that Town can gain from this match is a bit of pride, as the result is basically meaningless!

It's perhaps as well that Town need nothing more than to restore a bit of pride tomorrow, as our away form has been absolutely shocking for most of the season and Torquay are currently in their best run of form. They haven't conceded a goal in their last six games and have gained 14 points during that run. In contrast, our last two away games have ended in successive 5-0 defeats with the Shaymen being reduced to ten men on both occasions. It is imperative that Town keep 11 men on the field tomorrow if they are gong to have any chance of returning from the south coast with any kind of reward.

The Shaymen will be without the services of Steve Swales and Andrew Woodward for both tomorrow's and next week's final game at home to Rushden and Diamonds. Steve Swales has been sidelined with a hernia, and the much improved (since switched to his correct position) Andrew Woodward has a torn knee cartilage, although Paul Stoneman returns to the squad after serving his five match suspension.

Neil Redfearn has stated that he will again be using some of the youth players in this game, and next saturday's final game of the season, which can only be good for the club as the young lads that have been brought into the squad (Farrell, Heinemann and Smith) have all shown promise, and any experience gained in these last couple of matches can only improve these players for next season.

Lets hope the players don't suffer too much on the long trip down, and produce a winning display to claim our second double of the season, after beating Lincoln home and away.

HALIFAX TOWN (from): Richardson, Crookes, Jules, Clarke, Mitchell, Stoneman, Heinemann, Middleton, Smith, Redfearn, Harsley, Bushell, Farrell, Fitzpatrick, Midgley, Herbert, Oleksewycz.