HALIFAX, England (Interstat) — FC Halifax will host Gateshead on Friday in a National League football match at The Shay, with the home side aiming to build on a recent road victory and the visitor searching for a rare positive result.

FC Halifax enters with a 5-5-2 record across all competitions. The club has scored in several high-output performances, including a 4-1 win over Tamworth, a 3-0 victory at Hornchurch and a 2-0 win at Solihull Moors in its most recent outing. FC Halifax also played Boston Utd to a 1-1 draw, dropped a 2-1 decision at Worthing, drew 1-1 with Sutton United FC, won 1-0 at Wealdstone and defeated Hornchurch 3-0. A 1-0 loss at Aldershot and a 1-0 win over Hartlepool are also part of its season. At home, FC Halifax has recorded wins over Tamworth and Hartlepool, draws with Boston Utd and Sutton United FC, and a loss to Boreham. The side has shown enough attacking variety to test a Gateshead defense that has conceded frequently.

Gateshead enters with a 1-10-1 record across all competitions. The visitor’s lone win came in a 2-0 result over Woking. Since then, Gateshead has endured losses to Sutton United FC, Harrogate, Forest GR, Kidderminster, Southend, Wealdstone, Altrincham and Worthing. Its most recent result was a 2-1 home loss to Worthing. Gateshead also drew 1-1 with Solihull and has been shut out in multiple matches. Away from home, the club has lost at Wealdstone, Kidderminster, Forest GR, Harrogate and Yeovil. Gateshead will need a compact defensive display and greater efficiency in front of goal to challenge FC Halifax.

FC Halifax’s upcoming schedule includes matches against Southend, Barrow, Yeovil, Kidderminster, Woking, AFC Fylde, Eastleigh, Carlisle and Solihull before a later trip to Gateshead. Gateshead’s next fixtures include Tamworth, Boston Utd, Aldershot, Barrow, Hartlepool, Scunthorpe, Boreham, Hornchurch, FC Halifax and Worthing. Both clubs are in the middle of a demanding run of National League games.

FC Halifax will aim to impose itself early and use home advantage, while Gateshead will look to disrupt rhythm and capitalize on any chances. The reverse fixture later in the season will give Gateshead a chance for redemption, but the immediate focus is the meeting on Friday at The Shay. FC Halifax has the stronger overall record and recent momentum, while Gateshead is seeking signs of improvement.

Interstat’s game simulator projects FC Halifax to win 2-1. Interstat’s ELO system gives FC Halifax a 73.6 percent probability to win. The projection favors FC Halifax at home, with Gateshead given the remaining chance to earn a result.