They say form goes out the window in cup competitions, which is something Barrow AFC will have to be wary of when they face FC Halifax Town in the FA Trophy tomorrow.

The Shaymen have actually already embarked on a good cup run this season, having played in the second round of the FA Cup just two weeks ago, when they were finally knocked out by AFC Wimbledon.

They had previously shocked League Two side Morecambe in round one, but that 1-0 success was one of just three victories that they have recorded in their last 20 games, in all competitions.

That run has seen them drop down the National League table, with the promising start that saw them win five of their first seven games – including one over the Bluebirds in August – looking a bit of a false dawn.

Halifax go into the first round tie at Holker Street in 16th place, five points behind AFC, with their most recent fixture at Dagenham & Redbridge last Saturday finishing in a 1-1 draw, thanks to an 80th-minute equaliser from veteran defender Nathan Clarke.

With his side getting a point despite having Josh Staunton sent off after 35 minutes, manager Jamie Fullarton told the Halifax Courier: “At times it was very difficult, but the approach of the players meant they got what they deserved today, and that was something from the game.”

Like Barrow, Halifax have some pedigree in the FA Trophy, having won it as recently as 2016 when they defeated Grimsby Town, who’d just been promoted back into the Football League, 1-0 at Wembley.

The weekend is set to be a very busy one for Town defender Joe Skarz, who will begin a 24-hour charity cycling challenge alongside friend Josh Walker a matter of hours after facing the Bluebirds.

Hopefully, the match will be far more eventful than the last time the Shaymen visited Holker Street, with the league fixture between them and AFC in August 2017 finishing in a 0-0 stalemate.