The Shaymen play their first Blue Square Premier fixture at The Shay since January 1st when they take on Yorkshire rivals York City at The Shay tomorrow night.And, they will be looking to avenge the 3 v 2 defeat at the Kit Kat Crescent in September when the home side produced a purple patch that turned a 2 goal defecit into a 3 v 2 victory.

Former Town player Alex Meechan netted the winner in a game where Chris Wilder's men appeared to be in complete control and enjoyed a 2 goal advantage courtesy of Anthony Griffith and Danny Forrest goals before the Minstermen's fight back.

Since that September evening York have changed Managers with amazing effect.Billy McEwan was replaced by Colin Walker, initially on a caretaker basis, but the appointment has been made permanent after a stunning run of form that has seen the North Yorkshire club go unbeaten under their new boss.Their only 'defeat' came on penalties to Northwich Victoria in the Setanta Shield.Their surge up the Conference table has taken them into 10th position, on the periphery of the play off positions.

They will make the short journey to West Yorkshire to play a much changed Halifax Town side that the one they faced earlier in the season, and one that has shown promise of an upturn in fortunes in Conference games recently.

Saturday's 2 v 2 draw at Rushden gives The Shaymen confidence for the first in a run of 3 successive homes games that could catapult them up the table.Recent home form against York is good and the Visitors have not won a Conference game at The Shay in 3 previous attempts.

In the 04/05 season Town took the points with a 2 v 0 win courtesy of a Paul Groves own goal and a diving header from Alex Meechan.A Craig Midgley penalty was the only goal of the game on August Bank Holiday Monday in the 05/06 season and last year loan man Lionel Ainsworth rescued a point after Martyn Woolford had given York the lead.

Recent changes in the Town squad may result in home Conference debuts for Thomas Harban, Brian O'Callaghan and Simon Ainge in defence and Craig Nelthorpe in midfield.Up front Chris Wilder has plenty of options and Andy Campbell will be looking to continue his comeback from injury by adding to his second half goal at Nene Park.

Whatever the team selection a close and competitive match is likely.