Southend United are set to welcome FC Halifax Town to Roots Hall in a fixture carrying considerable weight for both clubs. Southend, harbouring promotion aspirations, will be determined to reinforce their position near the league’s summit. Halifax, meanwhile, will be striving to ascend the table and create a more comfortable buffer from the lower spots.
Southend’s recent performances demonstrate a team with attacking capabilities, having registered goals in their last four games. However, they enter this match following a recent setback and will be keen to respond positively. Their record stands at four wins, two draws, and one defeat from seven games. FC Halifax Town arrive with renewed confidence, currently enjoying a three-game unbeaten streak and having found the net in their last six matches. With two wins, two draws and three losses, they will be aiming to turn draws into victories.
Historical form strongly favours the home side. Over the past three seasons, these two teams have met six times, with Southend United triumphant on four occasions, and the other two matches ending in a stalemate. Halifax are yet to secure a win against Southend during this period. Last season saw Southend complete the double over Halifax. A 2-0 victory at Halifax, secured with goals from Aribim Pepple and Adam Crowther, was followed by a 3-1 win at Roots Hall, with Gus Scott-Morriss, Tom Hopper, and Charley Kendall finding the net for the Shrimpers, while Luca Thomas scored a consolation goal for the Shaymen.
In the league standings, Southend currently occupy 4th position with 14 points, having scored 11 goals and conceded only 5. FC Halifax Town sit in 14th place with 8 points, having scored 8 and conceded 11.
A victory for Southend would cement their place in the playoff positions and provide a significant impetus to their promotion campaign. A draw would maintain their current standing, but potentially allow other teams to reduce the deficit. A loss, however, could see them descend the table and undermine their momentum. For FC Halifax Town, a win would represent a notable achievement and provide a considerable boost to their season, moving them further away from the relegation zone. A draw would extend their unbeaten run, but they will be aiming for all three points to climb the table. Defeat would bring their recent progress to a halt and leave them glancing anxiously over their shoulders.
