FC Halifax Town's next opponents Barrow had their fixture abandoned after just 14 minutes on Tuesday due to a waterlogged pitch caused by Storm Boelo. The match against Forest Green Rovers will be replayed in its entirety, with the score reset to 0-0, despite Barrow having taken a lead in the first minute through a goal from Emile Acquah.
Barrow had gone ahead early before the conditions deteriorated, with a back pass from Marcel Oakley holding up in the penalty area illustrating the unplayable surface. Referees had conducted hourly pitch inspections before the game, and the pitch was deemed suitable for a 3pm kick-off after a final check at 2:30pm. The relentless rain from the storm, however, quickly made the surface impossible, forcing the abandonment.
The club's statement confirmed that a new date for the fixture will be announced in due course.
For Halifax, the disruption affects the preparation for their next fixture, a home game against Barrow on Tuesday, 27 October. The Shaymen go into that match sitting 8th in the National League standings with 21 points from 14 games, a record of six wins, three draws and five losses. They are 17 points behind the league leaders Boreham Wood in the title race. Chris Millington's side are in strong form, unbeaten in their last five league matches with a record of four wins and a draw. Their most recent result was a 2-2 draw away at Southend United last Thursday, where they came from behind twice with goals from Rob Harker and Jamie Cooke. That match saw goals from A. Morgan-Smith and T. Trusty for Halifax, according to official scorers. The team's recent form includes victories over South Shields, Stoke City U21, Gateshead, and Solihull Moors, and a draw with Boston United. This season, Halifax have scored 24 goals and conceded 17, giving them a goal difference of plus seven. Their top scorer this season is S. Johnson with zero goals in 10 appearances.
The abandonment means Barrow will have a congested schedule, potentially arriving at The Shay after a quick turnaround from their rearranged game. Halifax will look to extend their unbeaten run against a side dealing with fixture disruption.
More detail at NW Mail
