Bolton Wanderers versus Halifax Town

Last updated : 24 July 2003 By Mark Heys
Bolton will once again be in action for pre-season tonight as they take on Nationwide Conference outfit Halifax Town at The Shay with a 19:45 kick off following hot on the heels of their 4-0 friendly home win against Royal Antwerp last night at The Reebok Stadium.

Sam Allardyce is expected to send a full strength side to Yorkshire as he aims to keep all his first team squad in shape in preparation for the new season and at the same time provide some much needed revenue for The Shaymen.

Players who didnt start in the friendly against Antwerp may get a chance to start tonights game with Kevin Poole, Jeff Smith, Delroy Facey, Danny Livesey, Henrik Pedersen and Jonathan Walters looking to stake their claim in the starting XI.

Star duo Youri Djorkaeff and Jay-Jay Okocha may also get their second run out in two days as the Trotters manager will be looking to get the influential pair fully fit for the new season.

Youngsters Derek Niven, Cleveland Taylor and Ndiwa Lord-Kangana may also be called upon.

Halifax boss Chris Wilder may once again look to recent signings Clint Davies and ex-Blackburn youngster Darren Hockenhull as well as experienced trio Mark Monington, Paul Stoneman and Shaun Garnett in defence . The former Sheffield United player Wilder will be looking for his team to bounce back from a defeat against Huddersfield Town earlier in the week and cause a potential upset over the Premiership side tonight.

Two years ago the honours went the way of the Wanderers when a solitary goal by veteran striker Ian Marshall gave Bolton victory in a 1-0 win.