The Shay Stadium hosts a crucial National League match as play-off chasing FC Halifax Town welcome relegation-threatened Dagenham & Redbridge. The contrasting fortunes of the two sides add significant weight to this encounter. Halifax are looking to strengthen their play-off position, while Dagenham desperately need points to escape the drop zone.
The Shaymen are in good form, currently on a six-match unbeaten run. Victories against Forest Green Rovers and Yeovil Town, followed by an impressive 3-0 away win at Sutton United, highlight their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. They have also found the net in each of their last four matches. Dagenham, on the other hand, are enduring a torrid 13-match winless streak. The Daggers have struggled to convert draws into wins, as demonstrated by their recent 2-2 draw with Oldham Athletic. Defeats to Boston United, Barnet, and Tamworth have compounded their woes, although they did manage a consolation goal against Tamworth.
History favours the hosts. Halifax are unbeaten in their last five meetings with Dagenham across the past three seasons, winning twice and drawing three times. Remarkably, they have conceded just one goal to the Daggers in those matches, scoring four themselves. The reverse fixture earlier this season ended in a 1-1 draw, with both goals coming in the second half. Last season saw two encounters: a 0-0 draw at The Shay and a 1-0 away victory for Halifax, courtesy of an Andrew Oluwabori goal.
The league table underlines the differing trajectories of these two sides. Halifax currently sit 5th with 62 points from 36 games, boasting a +13 goal difference. Dagenham are 20th with 36 points from 37 games and a goal difference of -8.
A win for Halifax would solidify their play-off ambitions and potentially move them higher up the table. Conversely, defeat could see them overtaken by rivals also vying for a play-off spot. For Dagenham, three points are crucial in their battle against relegation. Defeat would worsen their predicament, while even a draw would offer a small boost. This match promises to be a captivating contest with significant implications for both teams.