FC Halifax Town face a visit from Eastleigh FC this Saturday in what looks to be a tight match with the two teams separated by just one point in the National League table.
For Halifax who are still without a win since 23rd September in the National League, this could prove to be an opportunity to pick up a full three points and begin to build up a good run of form that could emulate their performances at the beginning of the campaign.
Form
Town have gone nine matches in the League without a victory, and the most recent defeat against a strong Hartlepool United makes it four losses in their last five outings. However, The Shaymen’s home form makes for easier reading and it could be drawn upon this weekend to encourage a positive result. Halifax have only been the losing side on three occasions in the league to this point.
In terms of the away side, the form book doesn’t look much more attractive. In their last five league appearances, they have managed to come out on top just once when they narrowly beat Macclesfield Town 1-2 away from home. This result makes up 50% of their league victories when playing away from home this season with their only other win on the road coming against Hartlepool.
With similar runs of form for both sides, it is unsurprising that Town sit directly above Eastleigh in the table as they occupy 17th and 18th places respectively.
Previous Meeting
The last time that these two sides came head to head was almost a year ago in December of 2016. The clubs met in the second round of the FA Cup in what turned out to be a thrilling tie. The original fixture saw Town make the trip to Eastleigh and come away with a huge 3-3 draw, forcing a replay to be held at The Shay. Unfortunately for the home side, Eastleigh got the better of them and eventually progressed to the third round after a 0-2 win.
Key Players
Eastleigh’s key player looks to be attacker, Ben Williamson. The Englishman has already notched up an impressive tally of nine goals in the league this season with his most recent coming on Tuesday night in their draw with Maidenhead United.
Williamson has plenty of experience and played 53 times last season for League Two’s Cambridge United before switching to Eastleigh in the summer.
After conceding four goals in midweek to Hartlepool, Town will be looking to steady the ship at the back and aim for a solid clean sheet. This will be aided by the return of skipper Matty Brown, who missed the clash on Tuesday through suspension.
His return is timely as Scott Garner will be missing for The Shaymen this weekend after being shown his 5th yellow card of the season at Victoria Park.
Brown’s leadership and consistency could be a big factor if Town are to keep out Eastleigh and pick up the points this weekend.
Match Officials
Referee: Karl Evans
Assistant Referees: Jack Nield, Paul Tomes
Fourth Official Andrew Smith
Follow the match
There will be live updates and commentary available on the club website and Shaymen TV.
You can also follow the action via Town’s official Twitter account, @FCHTOnline and Snapchat (FCHTOnline)
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