Town boss hails 6-2 win in National League Cup
FC Halifax Town manager John McGrath was pleased with his team's 6-2 win over Derby County under 21s in the National League Cup. The Shaymen thrashed their opponents at The Shay, with Arian Allen producing a sparkling display.
Why it matters for FC Halifax Town
The win is a much-needed boost for FC Halifax Town, who are currently 20th in the National League with 0 points from 2 games. They are 6 points behind leaders Harrogate Town and will be looking to build on this momentum.
What comes next?
FC Halifax Town's next fixture is against Boston United on February 16, 2027, and they will be looking to continue their winning form. With the transfer embargo set to be lifted by the end of tomorrow, McGrath will be hoping to add to his squad before the game.
FC Halifax Town are currently under a transfer embargo from the National League, but the Halifax boss says that should be lifted by the end of tomorrow. "I was told all the paperwork is getting done today and tomorrow," he said. "Half of it's gone in and tomorrow is the rest of it, so we should be good to go tomorrow afternoon, tomorrow evening some time."
The win was a pleasing one for McGrath, who was happy with what he saw from his team. "Really pleased, to score six goals in any game," he said. "I said before about paying the competition the respect it deserves and it's a game we wanted to win."
McGrath says his team selection wasn't influenced by Town losing their first two games. "I don't tend to dwell on what's been previous, I tend to look forward to the here and now, so for me, after Saturday, it was all about the best team to take on Derby County, but also one eye on the lads getting minutes," he said.
Winger Arian Allen produced a sparkling display, capped off with a terrific goal in the second-half. "Arian got off the mark with a great finish and he showed his quality, he could have had two or three," McGrath said. "You want your centre-forwards, your nines and tens, to score, you want your wingers chipping in."
On what looked like an injury that forced Allen off, McGrath said: "I think it was a bit of fatigue, but he seems to be OK. We're quite thin in the ground at the minute and with not being able to sign anyone just yet, it's about keeping everyone fit and flying."
League standing: 20th in National League, 0 pts, 0W-0D-2L from 2 games, recent form LL.
Goals this season: 3 scored, 6 conceded (-3 goal difference).
Title race: 6 points behind leaders Harrogate Town.
Next fixture: vs Boston United (away, 2027-02-16) (10th in the table).
The win was a great start for McGrath, who is still getting to know his team. "I was really pleased with our night's work," he said. "We gave Morgs a start, which he needs, Conor played in the ten and I was desperate for him to get off the mark. It was a great finish, which is what he's all about."
The win was a much-needed boost for FC Halifax Town, who are currently struggling in the National League. They will be looking to build on this momentum and continue their winning form. With the transfer embargo set to be lifted by the end of tomorrow, McGrath will be hoping to add to his squad before the game.
