THE FA Cup is a great leveller, as the saying goes.

The form book points to one thing at Haig Avenue on Saturday, namely an FC Halifax Town win at struggling Southport. But this is the cup and it does funny things.

The Shaymen head into the game on the back of a fine five-match National League winning sequence, which has propelled them into the play-off positions.

By contrast, the Sandgrounders, managed by ex-Huddersfield Town midfielder Neil Danns - who also spent a brief spell at Halifax - prop up National League North with just one victory in nine league games this term, including seven losses. Their sole success arrived on August 16.

Despite recent numbers, Halifax chief Adam Lakeland is wary as the Shaymen seek to reach the first round proper for the first time since 2022.

Lakeland said: "I think it's all about professionalism and mentality from us.

"We're in a really good run of form at the minute. We've won five in a row, but we've only lost one in 11, so we're doing a lot of things really well.

"But in games like this, you've got to be professional, and respectful of the opposition, which we always are.

Southport manager Neil Danns, who had a spell at Huddersfield Town in his playing career alongside a brief stint at FC Halifax Town.

"And at the end of the day, it's a competition that all footballers, coaches, managers and supporters are passionate about.

"It's a massive part of English football, so everybody should have more than enough self-motivation to do well in the competition.

"Absolutely it's a banana skin."

The game sees former Town players Jordan Keane, Chris Renshaw, Sam Minihan, Ted Lavelle and Jordan Slew face their old club to give the tie a bit of spice.

Loanee Owen Devonport is eligible for the game for the Shaymen, set to be without Angelo Cappello following his call-up for Belize.