Hallam are back on the road this weekend as they travel to the Heffernan Utilities Stadium to face Brighouse Town.
Craig Denton’s men come into this one on the back of a last-gasp winner from Leon Howarth. It was a vital victory for the Countrymen as well, as it was their second win in five games – that followed a heavy midweek defeat to Garforth Town where Hallam lost 4–0.
Kiyani Clayton will be hoping to add to his tally again this weekend after scoring two goals in his last three matches. The same can be said for ever present Danny South, who has netted three goals in three games after being deployed as the target man.
The Countrymen will also be delighted to have fan favourite Leon Howarth back. Speaking in a post match interview, he said he was delighted to return and pleased to have been able to hit the ground running.
As for the hosts Brighouse, this would have been the second game of a home double header if their match against Lincoln United had not been postponed due to a floodlight failure.
That was probably no bad thing for the Brighouse faithful, as they have not seen their side win in 14 league matches, with their last victory coming on 8th November against Blyth Spartans. Grant Black’s side have managed just seven league wins so far this season.
Brighouse’s goal figures this season show they average 0.88 goals scored per game, while conceding 1.81 per match, which highlights where many of their problems have come from during the campaign.
And they will be determined to get back to winning ways against Hallam, especially as they were the victors in the reverse fixture. Back in October at Sandygate they ran out 4–1 winners, with Nathan Curtis scoring twice and Romario Dunne also getting on the scoresheet. Dunne is the club’s current top scorer with seven goals, followed by Curtis on six and Youseff Chentouf on four.
Brighouse’s home form does not make for great reading either. They have won just three home matches all season, drawing five and losing eight. They currently hold a goal difference of minus 30, with an overall points per game average of 0.91, made up of 0.88 at home and 0.94 away.
With Brighouse struggling for form at home this season, Hallam will see this as an opportunity to pick up valuable points on the road. The Countrymen have shown they can be dangerous away from Sandygate and will be hoping to capitalise on Brighouse’s poor home record.
Brighouse also have a few injury concerns heading into this one. Defender Harvey Booth has suffered a knee injury and, according to reports, is expected to miss the rest of the season. Striker Rhys Plater has also struggled with injuries throughout the campaign and recently had to come off after a stamp on his foot.
Hallam’s centre back pairing of Danny Burns and Adam Blakeley will need to be on their guard if they are to keep star man Dunne quiet. Meanwhile, Brighouse centre half Jay Davis will be hoping to keep the in-form South under control.
Leon Howarth will also be pushing for his first start in a Hallam shirt since returning from injury and his dual registration spell.
Kick off at the Heffernan Utilities Stadium is at 3pm on Saturday 7th March.
Match Preview by Max Burgar-Briggs
Photo Credits: Jacob Flannery
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