Hallam FC are back at Sandygate this weekend as they welcome Brighouse Town in the Northern Premier League East Division. The Countrymen head into the game on a high after a strong 3-1 away win at Newton Aycliffe last time out, with Brodie Litchfield and Paulo Aguas getting on the scoresheet.
Brighouse make the trip south following a 1-1 draw against Dunston in mid-October. That result came after back-to-back wins over Garforth Town and Lincoln United, so they arrive in good form and full of confidence. Saturday’s meeting is the first ever between the two clubs, adding a bit of freshness to the fixture.
Craig Denton’s side will be aiming to make it back-to-back wins for the first time this season. The manager described last weekend’s performance as “a huge three points” and will be hoping his team can build on that momentum by turning home draws into wins.
Hallam are still without Leon Howorth and Brandon Bradbury. New signing Oliver Russon is pushing for a first start, while Jay Glover could be making his home league debut after joining the club earlier this month.
Up front, Brodie Litchfield continues to lead the line in fine form. He scored two last time out, and sits on 10 goals for the season. His link-up play and work rate have been vital in recent weeks, and he will again be key in front of the Sandygate faithful.
Brighouse Town come into the game unbeaten in their last three league outings. Managed by Grant Black, who took charge in May 2024, the West Yorkshire side currently sit just below Hallam in the table after 14 matches. Their record stands at four wins, two draws and eight defeats, with a goal difference of minus eight.
Their away form has been mixed, with four wins and two draws from 14 games in all competitions, and they have managed one clean sheet on the road so far. Nathan Curtis and Romario Dunne lead the scoring charts with three goals apiece, while Youssef Chentouf has added two.
At the other end, defender Jesse Hudson has been ever-present this season, and winger Rhys Plater provides pace and creativity going forward. Brighouse play their home games at the Heffernan Utilities Stadium on St Giles Road, a ground they have called home since the 1980s.
After 14 league games, Hallam sit 14th in the table with a record of three wins, seven draws and four defeats, giving them a goal difference of minus three. Their matches this season have averaged just under two and a half goals per game, showing how tight many of their fixtures have been.
Statistically, Hallam average around 1.25 goals per game while conceding roughly 1.33. Brighouse’s figures sit closer to one scored and 1.57 conceded. On paper this looks an even contest, with both sides looking to put a consistent run together before winter sets in.
With Hallam finding their feet again and Brighouse improving after a slow start, this has all the makings of a lively afternoon at Sandygate. Expect a good crowd, plenty of tackles, and two sides desperate for momentum heading into the busy November schedule.
Kick-off is 3pm this Saturday at Sandygate, the world’s oldest football ground, and it promises to be another intriguing encounter for the Countrymen fans.
Match Preview by: Max Burgar-Briggs
Photo Credits: Ian Manewell
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