The rain in Halifax has hardly stopped over the last 2 weeks, and with more to come before kick-off, expect a mud bath on Saturday in Town's home game against Stafford Rangers.

A win will be expected against the BSP strugglers - especially as Stafford come to us on the back of 5 successive league defeats, and haven't won a game since September.A confidence boost will travel with them though, after reaching round 3 of the FA Trophy after victory over Osset Town last week.

The Shaymen will be aiming for their first double of the season, after beating Rangers at Marston Road in September with 2 goals from Jon Shaw and Lewis Killeen adding another in a 3-2 win.

Nathan Joynes will be looking for his first goal since re-joining Chris Wilder, and is expected to partner John Shaw in attack.

Chris Wilder's defence could be anyone's guess with the new signings and the remainder of the defensive players who started the season all vying for a starting spot.

Winger Tom Sharpe, defender Brian O'Callaghan and Thomas Harban all look to make their first starts at The Shay in this one, and with 3 points a must for The Shaymen, as usual the crowd will have to do their part to help the lads through the difficult conditions.

Enjoy the game.

Steve Clifford