Halifax FC Women return to the Myra Shay this weekend to face West Bromwich Albion Women in what promises to be a pivotal FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division clash.

With both sides experiencing mixed runs of form and the table tightening around them, Sunday’s fixture carries significant weight in the race for stability and momentum heading into the latter stages of the campaign, writes Ché Nickerson.

Recent meetings between the two sides underline how competitive this fixture has become. In 2024, Albion secured a narrow 1-0 victory before running out 4-0 winners in the reverse encounter.

The 2025 meeting at the Myra Shay saw West Brom edge a five-goal thriller, winning 3-2 in a dramatic contest. However, the match before Christmas swung in Halifax’s favour, as Eleanor Ashton struck in the 50th minute after a goalless first half to secure a vital 1-0 win for the Shaywomen.

Halifax FC Women are back in action at the Myra Shay this weekend.

placeholder image — Halifax FC Women are back in action at the Myra Shay this weekend.

That result will provide belief for Rob Mitchell’s side as they prepare to host Albion once again.

Halifax enter the game on the back of a challenging spell, recording two defeats and a draw in their last three outings.

A tough contest against Derby County left Mitchell feeling his side deserved more from the performance, while a midweek trip to Middlesbrough ended in a 3-2 defeat.

After trailing 2-0, Hollin converted from the penalty spot to halve the deficit. Still, Boro restored their two-goal cushion through Ellen Turnbull before Danielle Whitman’s 72nd-minute strike put Halifax under real pressure.

Despite pushing late on, the Shaywomen were unable to rescue a point. Their most recent defeat came away at Rugby Borough, where Sofia Mallon’s goal secured a hard-earned 1-0 win for Rugby.

West Brom arrive in similar circumstances, having suffered back-to-back 3-0 defeats against league leaders Burnley and fourth-placed Stoke City.

Both opponents have been flying high this season, making them particularly difficult tests, but the losses may have impacted Albion’s confidence. A win this weekend could see West Brom climb from seventh to sixth in the table, adding further incentive for the visitors.

The league picture adds extra intrigue to Sunday’s encounter. Halifax sit level on 15 points alongside Hull and Derby County, meaning three points could open a valuable gap between themselves and the teams around them.

Derby face Wolves, who are pushing for top spot, while Hull take on Sporting Khalsa following their heavy defeat to Liverpool Feds. With positions likely to shift, the stakes are high across the division.

With both sides eager to rediscover consistency, the stage is set for a tightly contested battle at the Myra Shay. Halifax will hope for another decisive moment from Eleanor Ashton as they look to strengthen their position and edge closer to league safety.

All is still to play for in what promises to be a crucial afternoon in the Womens National League.