FC Halifax Town: Gloucester preview

Town are two points and three places outside the play-offs, winning only six of their first 12 games in the National League North.

David Lynch is available after being taken off injured last Saturday.

Manager Billy Heath said: “He did really well last week. For the 25 minutes or so he was on he showed that he’s not just an enforcer, he’s got a good left-foot and he can play. He keeps it simple.

Richard Peniket missed last week’s game through illness but is also available, while Nathan Hotte came through last Saturday’s game without a problem.

Matty Brown won’t feature on Saturday, with Heath saying it’s “too early” for him.

Matty Kosylo is still a couple of weeks away from a return, but Heath said: “He is doing well and looking strong and fit.”

Scott McManus is said to be on schedule, with Heath saying: “We always knew it was going to be long-term.

“If he plays before Christmas he will have done well, but I don’t think he will.”

Gloucester are the second-highest scorers in the division, but go into the game on the back of a midweek FA Cup replay defeat to Hemel Hempstead.

Striker Luke Hopper is their top scorer with nine league goals but will miss the game through a knee injury.

Manager Tim Harris was previously a player for The Tigers and had a previous stint in charge of the club before leaving to join Newport County.

Lee Gregory scored four goals as Halifax beat Gloucester 5-0 the last time they met at The Shay, while goals from Gareth Seddon and Liam Needham sealed a 2-1 win at Whaddon Road in their previous game away to Gloucester.

Saturday’s National League North fixtures:

Boston United v Worcester City

Brackley Town v Darlington

Bradford Park Avenue v Telford

Chorley v Harrogate Town

FC United of Manchester v Alfreton

Gainsborough Trinity v Tamworth

Gloucester City v Halifax

Kidderminster v AFC Fylde

Nuneaton v Curzon Ashton

Stalybridge Celtic v Altrincham

Stockport v Salford City