Saturday's National League television clash comes from Worcestershire as relegation battlers Kidderminster FC host playoff-chasing FC Halifax at Aggborough Stadium.
Last season, a run of six straight victories to end the season saw Kidderminster sneak into the National League North playoffs in sixth place. The league was as tight as it's ever been last year, with four points separating fourth-placed Brackley and 13th-placed Curzon Ashton. In this run of six victories, Kiddy only conceded once, demonstrating their defensive resilience.
This fine form continued into the playoffs, where Russell Penn's team were big underdogs. 0-1, 1-4, and 0-2 wins away at Alfreton, Kings Lynn, and Brackley, respectively, saw the Harriers promoted. Kidderminster ended the season with the best defensive record in the league.
This year, the Harriers didn't have the strongest start to the season. Rooted to the bottom of the table, the hierarchy turned to former Premier League manager Phil Brown. The 64-year-old won six of his first nine league games in charge to breathe fire into a stuttering side.
Kidderminster are now 21st in the league, four points from safety in a tight National League. A shock 1-3 win at champions Chesterfield helped arrest a run of six games without a victory. The surprising triumph is a testament to the Harriers' away form in recent months, having held Bromley to a goalless draw, as well as beating Solihull Moors, Oldham and Hartlepool.
Kidderminster's issue this year has been going forward, having only scored 39 goals this year - the fewest in the league. On top of this, they have only picked up 20 home points - again the fewest in the league. With games running out for Phil Brown's side, they will need an almost flawless end to the campaign.
At the other end of the table are FC Halifax. Last season, the familiar feeling of wishing for more in their bid to escape the National League yet settling for mid-table was set in.
Stuck in the fifth tier since 2017, Halifax have never really been considered for relegation, yet have only managed to land inside the playoffs on two occasions in six years. Finishing eleventh last season, their hopes and aspirations of escaping non-league stretch on, but with an encouraging league position befitting them this season, hope may once again be beginning to rise in the north this season. If they can break their recent duck, that is.
A win of seven wins from eight catapulted Chris Millington's side into playoff contention, but a loss to Hartlepool and a draw to York, coupled with continuous match postponements has stalled momentum.
However, with the Shaymen just two points off the playoffs and boasting the luxury of a game in hand (or two) on their competitors, there is still a feel-good factor in West Yorkshire.
FC Halifax's resolute defence has been a key factor in their playoff bid, with only 3rd place Bromley and fellow playoff chasers Southend conceding less than the Shaymen's 46.
Three home fixtures in the space of six days follow Saturday's visit to Kidderminster, so Millington will be desperate for a result. A repeat of October's 2-1 win would go down a treat for the 56-year-old.
Christin Dibble was deemed surplus to requirements at record-breaking Wrexham, falling behind Ben Foster and Mark Howard in the pecking order. This season, he has made the number one shirt his own, starting all 43 games. The 29-year-old is a key reason why Kidderminster boast the fifth-best defensive record in the National League - despite their lowly position. He has kept the most clean sheets in the league (13)
In what looks to be a very low-scoring affair, it is no surprise both goalkeepers are arguably their sides' key players. Sam Johnson has started every game this season, as he finishes his seventh season in goal for FC Halifax. The 31-year-old is also the captain and is imperative in any play-off campaign the Shaymen have. Johnson has kept the joint third-most clean sheets in the league (11).
FC Halifax Double Chance and Under 4 Goals - @1.90
FC Halifax are in fine fettle having lost just two of their last ten games, winning seven. Away from home, their games are averaging just 2.1 goals per game. Kidderminster have the worst home record in the league, having won just four times. They have won just once since the 2nd of December - coming against basement club Oxford City. The Harriers home games are averaging just 2.19 goals.
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