Unlike last season, Wealdstone’s fate is not in their own hands on the National League’s final day. Indeed, they are in the relegation zone heading into their Bank Holiday showdown at home to Halifax, which (excuse the pun!) is not a banker.

Halifax are sixth and will be in the play-offs regardless of Monday’s result, showing themselves as one of the strongest teams in the division. The Stones are 20 points behind them in 21st, so are certainly underdogs, even at The Vale.

Given their vastly inferior goal difference, the hosts must win and hope Dagenham & Redbridge do not at Solihull Moors, incidentally managed by ex-Wealdstone boss Matt Taylor. Neil Gibson and the players know the task at hand, and one almighty performance could be enough to get Wealdstone over the line once more.

Key players

Alex Reid

It is safe to say that without Alex Reid’s goals, Wealdstone would be relegated already. Indeed, the Oldham loanee is the only Stones player in double figures for goals this season with 16.

Wealdstone are winless in four games, and it is no coincidence Reid did not score in any of them. In fact, in the Stones’ back-to-back home victories prior, the striker scored all three of their goals, further highlighting his importance.

Bet365 are offering 15/8 odds for Reid to score anytime against Halifax, which based on previous matches, is a wise punt should Wealdstone win.

Dante Baptiste

The Stones also must rely on their goalkeeper to give them the best hope. Given he played in the 3-0 defeat at Southend last time out, this will likely be Dante Baptiste.

While he did concede three goals, Baptiste also made four saves against Southend, and will hope he is not as busy against Halifax. Nonetheless, should he be called upon, he must stand strong.

Paddy Power are offering 3/1 odds for Wealdstone to win to nil, something they have not achieved in five previous games, and so Baptiste must be alert to keep a clean sheet.

Betting trends

Total goals over/under

Only six goals were scored across those four victories at an average of just 1.5 per game, which suggests if Wealdstone win, it could be low-scoring.

Paddy Power are offering 4/1 odds for Wealdstone to win & Under 2.5 total goals.

HT/FT

Of those four wins, Wealdstone were drawing at HT in three of them, which makes the Draw/Wealdstone combo in this market particularly attractive.

Betfred are offering 5/1 odds for HT/FT: Draw/Wealdstone.

Bet Builder tip

Wealdstone to win, Solihull Moors/Draw double chance & Alex Reid to score anytime (9/1 @ Bet365)

Combining the results Wealdstone need to survive with Reid scoring gives us our recommended bet builder.

Safe option

Wealdstone to win, Solihull Moors/Draw double chance & Under 2.5 total goals (5/1 @ William Hill)

A safer option would be to not rely on a goalscorer and explore the Total Goals market instead.

Bold option

Wealdstone to win, Solihull Moors/Draw double chance & HT/FT: Draw/Wealdstone (20/1 @ Betfred)

A bolder option would be to explore the HT/FT market which is always difficult to predict.