Gateshead v FC Halifax Town: Aspin’s men receive boost from Trophy

The Shaymen, who endured a horrendous November that included a four-game losing run, travelled to Worcester on Tuesday night and claimed a hard-fought 1-0 win to seal a New Year meeting with Alfreton in the second round.

Of the recent flurry of wins, beating Worcester was perhaps the most impressive of all with Aspin rating a trip to Aggborough as tough as any in the Conference Premier.

It was only Worcester’s third home defeat in 2014 so when Scott Boden sealed a dramatic late triumph five minutes from time when lashing in from close range there was no doubting the magnitude of the win.

Sixth-placed Halifax now travel to Gateshead, two points behind in 10th place, looking to start what is a truncated Christmas and New Year programme in fine style.

On Sunday, Halifax host Chester but are then without a game until Alfreton’s visit on January 10. That is due to the New Year’s day game with Gateshead and the January 3 encounter with Southport both having to be postponed due to each clubs’ involvement in the FA Cup third round.