Scout report: Pools will need to be wary of Halifax - despite one win in their last six

Hartlepool United's National League campaign continues with a trip to Halifax Town on Saturday - but what should Pools expect?
Halifax Town winger Jordan Preston - who could feature against PoolsHalifax Town winger Jordan Preston - who could feature against Pools
Halifax Town winger Jordan Preston - who could feature against Pools

We've taken a look at the Shaymen who, despite their poor form of late, will prove a very stern test.

Here's our full scouting report ahead of the clash:

What system will Halifax Town play?

Halifax tend to operate in a traditional 4-4-2, with the two banks of four providing some defensive stability.

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But that’s not to say that the Shaymen are defensively-minded. In fact, it’s often quite to the contrary with a pair of tricky wingers providing a real attacking spark and driving the side forward.

A lively and clinical front two mean chances are never in short supply, while the back line is packed with bags of Football League experience.

Who are Halifax Town’s key players?

Some of Halifax’s more eye-catching additions have come at the back - with former Poolie Michael Duckworth, ex-Bury man Joe Skarz and the vastly-experienced Nathan Clarke forming a reliable defensive unit.

At the other end of the pitch, the clinical Dayle Southwell will need to be watched carefully in and around the area as he possesses a real goal threat.

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Supplying the amunition will be Sanmi Odelusi, a former Bolton and Wigan winger with bags of pace and energy to burn.

Do Halifax Town have any injury worries?

The Shaymen have no fresh injury worries from their last outing against Maidstone, so will have a strong squad to pick from as Hartlepool make the journey to West Yorkshire.

Who is Halifax Town’s manager and what can we expect from them?

Former Scotland under-21 international Jamie Fullarton is in charge of Halifax having stepped into the hotseat earlier this year.

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Fullarton previously managed Notts County in League Two and has been heavily involved in youth football - both at home and in Spain - in recent years.

He likes his teams to be fluid in and out of possession and has developed a reputation for playing a fine style of football.

What form have Halifax Town been in?

After a fine start to the season, which saw them win their opening three outings, there were high hopes for Fullarton’s side.

But the Shaymen have picked up just one win from their last six outings, and will be keen to turn around that form.

Nonetheless, they still sit 10th in the National League - just two points behind Pools.

Last six: LDDDWL