Halifax Town meet Rushden and Diamonds for the 2nd weekend running this Saturday, this time travelling to Nene Park.

With The Shaymen losing 2-0 last week to a below average side and 2 very dubious linesman decisions in the FA Trophy, Town boss Chris Wilder can be confident that at least a share of the points could be on the cards in this BSP clash.

Injury concerns hang over 3 players at the moment.Jon Shaw has been ill, and defenders Matt Doughty and Adam Quinn have all been nursing injuries this week

Doughty took a knock in last Saturday's 2-0 Trophy defeat, and Adam Quinn has an on-going Achilles problem.This could signal a start for Simon Ainge to partner Brian O'Callaghan at centre back.

Rob Scott has been ruled out for the season, and Nathan Joynes is still suspended because the West Riding Cup doesn't count towards his ban. Wilder will be hoping Shaw recovers in time to play.

Skipper Tom Kearney, who missed last weekend's game between the sides through suspension, should return in midfield and that may mean a return to the right of midfield for Simon Heslop.

With Darryn Stamp playing a full 90 minutes against Ossett Albion in midweek, and Andy Campbell completing an hour, there are options upfront for Wilder, should Shaw not be ready to play the full game.

Rushden will be buoyed by the fact that they have had a full weeks rest from football since the FA Trophy game last week, as their Setanta Shield game was postponed.

The bookies have Rushden as clear favourites for this one, however with many lapses of concentration, long balls and school boy style errors last week, it may be a lot closer than some people are inclined to think.

Enjoy the game

Steve Clifford