The Shay Stadium hosts a crucial National League fixture as FC Halifax Town welcome Hartlepool United, a match with significant implications at both ends of the table. Halifax are aiming to reignite their play-off push, while Hartlepool look to build on their recent improved form and move further away from the relegation zone.
The Shaymen’s form has been inconsistent. A strong run, with home wins against Forest Green Rovers (2-1) and Yeovil Town (1-0) followed by a 3-0 away victory at Sutton United, has been followed by consecutive home defeats against Dagenham & Redbridge (1-0) and then away to Oldham Athletic (2-0). This dip in form, accompanied by a failure to score in their last two matches, presents a challenge. In contrast, Hartlepool arrive with renewed confidence. After narrow defeats to York City (0-1) and AFC Fylde (1-2), they earned successive 1-1 draws against Eastleigh and Solihull Moors before a convincing 4-1 home victory against Boston United. This improved attacking output, having scored in their last four matches, poses a threat to Halifax.
Recent history between these two sides is evenly balanced. Their last three meetings have seen a win each and a draw. Earlier this season, they drew 0-0 at Hartlepool. Last season, Halifax won 2-1 at home, thanks to goals from Max Wright and Adam Senior, with Emmanuel Dieseruvwe replying for Hartlepool. Later that season, Dieseruvwe scored again, this time a penalty, in a 1-0 Hartlepool win.
FC Halifax Town currently sit 5th with 63 points from 39 matches and a goal difference of +10. Hartlepool United are 14th with 49 points from the same number of games and a goal difference of -1.
A win for Halifax would be a vital step towards securing a play-off place and rediscovering their winning form. For Hartlepool, three points would provide further breathing space above the relegation places and bolster their confidence. A draw would likely frustrate both sides, offering little progress towards their respective goals.