The Shay Stadium is set for a key National League clash as FC Halifax Town face Maidenhead United. With the season nearing its end, Halifax are battling for a playoff spot, while Maidenhead are fighting to avoid relegation. This promises to be a tense encounter where every point is vital.
Halifax Town’s recent form has been inconsistent; they are currently on a five-match winless run, though they did manage to find the net in their last game. This dip in form will concern the home side as they look to secure their place in the playoff positions. Maidenhead United, in contrast, come into this game on a positive note, having won their most recent match and also scoring in it.
Historically, matches between these two sides have been closely contested. Over the past three seasons, they’ve met five times, with each team winning twice and one match ending in a draw. Both sides have scored exactly four goals in those games. Earlier this season, Halifax secured a narrow 1-0 victory away at Maidenhead, with Florent Hoti scoring the only goal in the second half. Last season saw honours even, with Maidenhead winning 1-0 at home thanks to a Kane Ferdinand goal, and Halifax responding with a 2-1 win at The Shay, a match that included a 98th-minute winner from Aaron Cosgrave. Tobi Sho-Silva scored for Maidenhead in that game.
In the league table, FC Halifax Town currently sit in 5th place with 64 points from 41 games, with a goal difference of +9. Maidenhead United are in a more precarious position, in 22nd place with 41 points and a goal difference of -25 from the same number of games.
A win for Halifax would significantly boost their playoff hopes, providing vital momentum as the season draws to a close. A draw would offer some consolation, but the Shaymen will be keen to get back to winning ways. For Maidenhead, a victory would be invaluable in their relegation battle, providing a significant morale boost and potentially lifting them out of the drop zone. A draw would represent a useful point away from home, while a defeat would deepen their worries.