Halifax Town v Chester City
The FA Cup Second Round
Shay Stadium
04 December 2004


The Yorkshire side, who are pressing strongly for a return to the Football League, take on Rush’s struggling Chester City in a tie that looks finely balanced.

Their aim is to emulate Conference rivals Scarborough, who pulled a money-spinning fourth round match against Chelsea last season - and held them to a single goal.

Halifax manager Chris Wilder admitted: "We looked at Scarborough with envious eyes when they drew Chelsea and would love a tie like that.

"We got our tactics spot on in the first round against Cambridge United (3-1) and there’s no reason why we can’t do the same this time.

"We’ve enjoyed some decent battles with Chester in recent years. They have improved since being promoted last season and in Ian have a manager who was being touted as a possible for the Wales job.

"But we have also improved. There’s no doubt it will be a difficult tie, but we should not be scared by the challenge."

Rush, who won the FA Cup three times with Liverpool, still holds the record for the most goals scored by one player in Finals (five) and has never been on the wrong end of a giant-killing, faces selection problems.

Last season’s leading scorer Daryl Clare was sold to Boston United, current top scorer Michael Branch has an ankle injury and Cortez Belle is one of four players suspended, along with defender Phil Bolland and midfield men Stewart Drummond and Ben Davies.

So for the midweek LDV Vans Trophy northern section quarter-final against Wrexham which Chester lost 1-0, Kevin Rapley played up front on his own.

Rush, whose side won 2-0 at Stafford in the first round, said: "We will probably be slight favourites, but with so many suspensions we shall have to work at it.

"Halifax are flying high in the Conference and, like everyone, are dreaming of getting a big side in the third round."