The inside track on Halifax Town ahead of Hartlepool United's FA Trophy tie

How have Halifax started the season?

Town have taken a while to get into their stride, playing well in patches and creating chances, but also playing poorly at times and badly lacking a ruthless streak in-front of goal.

They beat Dagenham 2-0 at home on the opening day in a really stylish performance but failed to really build on that, and being dumped out of the FA Cup at South Shields was a dreadful afternoon, although it later emerged there was a Covid outbreak among the squad.

But they have recently exploded out of the traps, scoring 13 goals and playing some really exciting stuff in the three games prior to their Tuesday night defeat at Solihull Moors.

Key players so far this season, and why?

Luke Summerfield, a summer signing from Wrexham, has been outstanding in central midfield. Very composed on the ball, always eager to receive it and set Town off on attacks.

Jeff King at right wing back has also caught the eye. He was sorely missed when he was suspended for three games, and it was no coincidence that they have won all three games since he returned.

Striker Jake Hyde took a while to get going after joining from Woking, due to injury, but he has four goals in his last three games and has been looking really sharp.

Does the league position fairly reflect performances so far?

Definitely more so now than it did two or three weeks ago. I think Pete Wild, back then, could fairly claim that performances were not being reflected in results, but the last three wins have pushed them up the table.

Style of play, what can Halifax expect to come up against?

Town have a very clear style of play and approach. They like to play 3-4-1-2 and have barely strayed from that for the last 12 months. The summer signings they made had that formation in mind, so it was a little worrying over the first few weeks of the season when results weren't coming, and performances were mixed.

But the last three wins before Solihull have been very encouraging in that respect. Summerfield and Martin Woods are both comfortable on the ball, and Town like to get runners and movement wide and ahead of them. There's not much hoof-ball unless they have no other option, Wild likes them to play it on the ground when they can, and press and probe opponents.

Can Halifax push for the play-offs this season?

There's no reason why not. Obviously Christmas will be a crucial time of the year, like it will for all clubs, but they have the players. If they can have a bit of luck with injuries, then I would expect them to be in contention.

Injuries/suspension?

Jake Hyde is a doubt after suffering a hamstring injury on Tuesday night. Jamie Allen should be in contention after a recent spell on the sidelines with a knee injury. Captain Nathan Clarke will miss the game with an eye injury which has kept him out for the last couple of weeks.

Likely line up and formation?

3-4-1-2 - Johnson; Byrne, Maher, Bradbury; King, Summerfield, Woods, Earing, Williams; Bell, Nepomuceno

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