Hallam FC are back in league action this weekend as they take on Heaton Stannington at Sandygate. Hallam’s fixture against Ossett United was cancelled, so this is the Countrymen’s first outing since the 8th of November, where they beat Bishop Auckland 2–0 at Sandygate. Heaton Stannington are the visitors, and like the hosts they also had their last match cancelled due to the weather. The Stan arrives at Sandygate having drawn last time out with Silsden after previously beating second place Matlock 3–2 away from home.
Craig Denton’s men will be looking to make it five wins at home this season and claim their first back-to-back victories of the campaign. At home they have won two, lost one and drawn five so far. The Countrymen will still be without Keenan Ferguson, Benni Ndlovu, Leon Howarth and Stephen Brogan, who are all out withinjuries. Captain Danny South will be looking to get more minutes in the tank after returning from injury, in what will be a huge boost for the team. Hallam have conceded an average of 1.60 goals this season, with only 1.13 conceded on average at Sandygate. In attack they have scored an overall average of 1.29 goals per game, with 1.25 on average scored at home and 1.33 scored away.
The visitors are managed by Dean Nicholson who has been in charge of the Stan since May 2024. He took over ahead of the 24/25 season where they finished in 12th place. Nicholson has earned praise from fans, media and players for building a strong, stable and competitive side in only their second season at this level. The Stan have scored an average of 1.53 goals so far this campaign, with 1.63 scored on average at home and 1.44 scored away. They concede only 1.25 goals on average away from home, which shows how organised they are on their travels.
Brodie Litchfield, Hallam’s top goalscorer, will be keen to add to his tally this weekend. Standing in his way is the centre back pairing of Josh Crews and Kieran Brannen. Crews is the physical presence of the two; he is strong, aggressive in his duels and his leadership has been key to the Stan’s defence this year. Brannen is the opposite of Crews in style. He is a ball playing centre half who brings calmness and stability alongside Crews and will be keen to keep out Hallam’s danger man.
At the other end Heaton’s top goalscorer, Leighton Hopper, will be aiming to add to his 12 goals this season. His strike partner is Dale Pearson whose physical and towering presence has been vital for the Stan. With their pace in behind they will be a clear threat to Hallam’s back line and something they will need to watch carefully.
For Hallam this represents a chance to claim back-to-back victories for the first time this season. With several key players missing this will be seen as a pivotal game for Craig Denton’s side and a chance to start moving up the table. For the visitors, they will see this as an opportunity to extend their unbeaten run to three matches and take three points at another tough venue as they continue their push towards the play offs.
This is set to be an interesting clash at Sandygate with both teams searching for three points that will boost their season and get their supporters dreaming of what could be. Kick-off is later today at 3pm.
Match Preview by: Max Burgar-Briggs
Photo Credits: Jacob Flannery
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