FC Halifax Town were eliminated from the FA Cup on Saturday, losing 2-0 to Cheltenham Town at the EV Charger Points Stadium. Goals from Jake Evans and a late strike from George Miller secured the win for the League One side, ending Halifax's involvement in this season's competition. This result, a 2-0 defeat on Saturday 7 November, continues a concerning recent run of one win, one draw and three defeats in their last five matches, and marks a second consecutive loss.
Evans opened the scoring in the 17th minute, finishing from close range after a pass from Kirsten Otchere. The visitors, who made seven changes to their starting lineup, struggled to create clear chances despite having eight shots. Their best opportunity came in the second half, but Cheltenham goalkeeper Cotterill was equal to it. George Miller sealed the result deep into stoppage time, converting an assist from Charlie McCann to make it 2-0. Cheltenham edged possession with 53 percent and were more clinical, putting four of their five shots on target.
Team selection and discipline
Manager McGrath opted for a reshuffled side, with True Grant in goal and a back four featuring Raheem Conte, Shaun Hobson, Will Flint and Lucas Houghton. The changes failed to spark an attacking threat, with Halifax managing only two shots on target all afternoon. The team's top scorer this season, S. Johnson, has yet to find the net in ten appearances. The game also saw three yellow cards, two for Halifax players. Raheem Conte was booked in the 60th minute following an argument with Evans, who also received a yellow. Zak Gilsenan was cautioned for a foul late on.
The attendance was 2,961, with 339 travelling Halifax supporters making the trip. Their recent form shows one win, one draw and three defeats in their last five matches across all competitions. They now turn their focus back to the league campaign, where they are 20 points behind leaders Boreham Wood and have scored 28 goals while conceding 20 for a goal difference of plus eight.
Next up is a trip to face 13th-placed Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday 14th November. The fixture at Aggborough Stadium kicks off at 3pm. The team will hope to improve on recent league results, which include a 3-4 defeat to Nottingham Forest U21, a 2-0 win over Yeovil Town, a 2-3 loss to Barrow, a 2-2 draw at Southend and a 3-2 victory over South Shields.
Cheltenham Town manager Darrell Clarke confirmed the club earned £47,750 in prize money for their FA Cup victory. He also noted Jake Evans's 16th-minute strike was the 18-year-old's first goal in the competition. The loss was Halifax's second consecutive defeat, leaving them 10th in the National League with 24 points from 16 games.
Manager John McGrath said the FA Cup tie was a valuable test for his side. "It allows me to pit myself against a League Two manager and to witness my players against League Two players," McGrath said. He added that the chance to gauge his 10th-placed National League side against higher-level opposition meant more than financial reward. The club's next fixture is away at Kidderminster Harriers on November 14.
Manager John McGrath said the FA Cup exit was a chance to assess his squad against higher-level opposition. The 10th-placed National League side, with a record of seven wins, three draws and six losses, now turn their focus to the league.
