Gateshead International Stadium is the venue for a National League encounter as Gateshead prepare to welcome FC Halifax Town. Both teams occupy spots in the lower reaches of the table, making this fixture a key opportunity to climb the standings and inject some much-needed impetus into their respective seasons.
Gateshead’s recent form has been inconsistent. They are currently enduring a four-game winless run, although they did manage to find the net in their most recent fixture. Their current record stands at three wins, two draws, and four losses from nine games. A concerning defensive record sees them having conceded 23 goals, while managing just 13 at the other end of the pitch.
FC Halifax Town are also struggling for consistency, having failed to secure a victory in their last three matches. Like Gateshead, they managed to score in their most recent game. Their season so far comprises two wins, three draws, and four losses, also from nine games. Their goal difference is also negative, with 10 goals scored and 16 conceded.
The historical head-to-head record makes grim reading for Gateshead. The two clubs have met six times in the last three seasons, with Gateshead failing to register a single victory. FC Halifax Town have won three of these encounters, with the other three ending in a stalemate. Gateshead have only managed to score twice in these matches, while FC Halifax Town have bagged eight. Last season saw FC Halifax Town triumph 3-1 at Gateshead, with Owen Bray, Andrew Oluwabori, and Max Wright all finding the net for the Shaymen, while Luke Hannant scored a penalty for the home side. Earlier in the season, the reverse fixture ended in a 1-1 draw, with Adam Senior’s goal for Halifax cancelled out by Owen Oseni for Gateshead.
In the league standings, Gateshead currently sit in 12th position with 11 points. FC Halifax Town are further down the table in 17th place, with 9 points.
A victory for Gateshead would not only end their winless run but also provide a significant morale boost, potentially propelling them further up the table. For FC Halifax Town, a win would be invaluable in their quest to distance themselves from the relegation zone and build a foundation for a more successful season. A draw would do little to ease the pressure on either side, leaving both teams still searching for that elusive spark to ignite their campaigns.
