After tomorrow afternoons fixture between Hereford United and Halifax Town at The Shay, it may be clearer to see who will make the end of season play offs as, if Hereford take all three points, they can, if other results go their way, seal their place in the top five and effectivley end The Shaymen's hopes.
Halifax have been touted by many to be the best side seen at Edgar Street this season, having outplayed the Bulls and coming away with a 3-2 victory. Particularly impressive in that game was loanee Darren Mansaram, who is now a permanent fixture for Town. Halifax have also added to their squad since the two teams met early in the season with the signing of John Grant, who had a spell with United. Club captain Steve Bushell will be the most significant absentee for Town, as he misses out having broken a leg.
Town were defeated 1-0 in the West Riding Cup Wednesday night by Guiseley; a result which infuriated boss Chris Wilder. He hoped that some players could use the match as a chance to impress in order to push for a starting place on Saturday, but was disappointed with the level of effort put in by some.
"A lot of those players have one-year deals and have possibly cut their own throats," He told the Halifax Courier. "We still do not know which division we will be playing in next season and there are contracts to be played for. A lot of decisions have been made for me by them. I think that there was only Chris Clarke, Paul Stoneman and Ryan Toulson who did themselves any favours last night."
"As a player, my thoughts would have turned to getting into the team on Saturday. Results in the past three or four games have been disappointing and there was a real chance last night for someone to force their way into the reckoning. Perhaps the game showed why the first team are playing in the first team and these players are on the outside looking in. Now they might find themselves looking for another club in the summer."
Every time you pull on a Halifax Town shirt there is everything to play for. There were too many non-committed performances last night."
Darryl Taylor's twisted knee, sustained against York, is proving to be quite serious and it is thought that he will now miss the rest of the season. Danny Williams is the most natural replacement for Taylor, although he picked up a knock against Forest Green and may be forced to sit out against Halifax. With Craig Stanley also receiving treatment Graham Turner may face a small injury crisis in the midfield.
Andy Tretton, who has been on superb form since filling in for Tony James, is also a doubt for the trip up north and with Tom Smith leaving the club United may also be short on defenders. Tony James was expected to begin training again following an ankle injury yesterday, but it is very unlikely that he will be considered for the squad.
Halifax have a good home record this season, having won twelve and drawn four of their nineteen home matches. The Shay has been a difficult place for teams to go their and win this season and The Shaymen will be hoping to continue this trend. Hereford, on the other hand, have the second best away record for this season with only champions Barnet able to better the Bulls ten wins from nineteen away games. A large crowd is expected for what is a massive game for both sides.