FC Halifax Town are poised to welcome Gateshead to The Shay Stadium for an English National League fixture that promises to be a compelling affair, given the contrasting fortunes of the two sides. The home team will be aiming to cement their place in the upper echelons of the division, while Gateshead will be desperately seeking a result to propel them out of the relegation mire.
Recent form provides a stark contrast. FC Halifax Town have demonstrated considerable resilience, amassing three wins, a draw, and a single defeat in their last five league outings. Their attacking threat is undeniable, a testament to their consistent scoring record, having found the net in each of their last thirteen matches. In stark opposition, Gateshead have endured a difficult spell, suffering five successive defeats in their most recent five encounters. Their defensive frailties have been evident, notably conceding the opening goal in their last two games.
The historical head-to-head record heavily favours FC Halifax Town. Over the course of seven meetings in the last three seasons, Halifax have emerged victorious on four occasions, with three draws and no defeats. Gateshead are yet to taste victory against Halifax in this period, managing to score just three goals to Halifax’s ten. Last season’s encounters saw a draw at home for Halifax and a commanding away win for them at Gateshead. This season’s fixture saw Halifax secure a 2-1 victory on their travels to Gateshead.
The current league standings encapsulate the disparity between the two clubs. FC Halifax Town currently sit in seventh place, accumulating 51 points from 32 games played, and boast a healthy goal difference of +6. Gateshead, conversely, find themselves in a precarious 24th position, having gathered 19 points from 29 matches, with a goal difference of -37.
For FC Halifax Town, a victory would serve to bolster their aspirations of a higher league finish and potentially enhance their promotion prospects. A draw would offer a degree of consolidation, while a loss could see them slide down the table. For Gateshead, a win is of paramount importance to their survival hopes, providing a much-needed injection of morale. A draw would do little to alter their current predicament, and another defeat would further entrench them at the foot of the table.
