FC Halifax Town have won four of their opening eight National League games in the 2026/27 season, a strong start under new manager John McGrath. The Shaymen sit ninth in the table with 12 points and are on a three-game winning run ahead of hosting Sutton United this Saturday.

John McGrath took charge in the summer after Adam Lakeland's departure to Morecambe, inheriting a side that had achieved seven successive top-half finishes. The club had reached the play-off quarter-finals in two of the previous three seasons, including under previous boss Chris Millington who also delivered an FA Trophy win in 2023. McGrath's task is to build on that consistent platform.

Defensive strength

The foundation for the recent upturn has been a solid defence. Halifax have kept three clean sheets in their last four league games, conceding only one goal in that period. This resilience was evident in last Tuesday's 1-0 victory at Wealdstone, secured by a 58th-minute strike from Adi Morgan-Smith. It followed a comprehensive 3-0 home win over AFC Hornchurch, with goals from Cameron Douglas, Ben Tollitt and Tobi Trusty.

Three of the team's four wins this term have come at The Shay, making home form a key asset. The recent results have lifted the side to within eight points of early leaders Boreham Wood.

Squad overhaul

McGrath oversaw a significant squad refresh during the close season. Key departures included last season's top scorer Will Harris, who joined Hartlepool United, along with Florence Hoti, Jamie Cooke, Tom Pugh and Zak Emmerson. In their place, the club secured the signatures of seven players who were regulars last term: Will Hugill, Owen Bray, Josh Hmami, Cody Johnson, Shaun Hobson, Thierry Latty-Fairweather and Angelo Cappello. This group, each with over 30 appearances for Halifax in 2025/26, provides a core of proven experience.

The manager brings his own pedigree from a lengthy playing career, most notably over 200 appearances for Burton Albion where he was named Player of the Year and won the Conference Premier title. His first managerial appointment aims to translate that winning mentality to the dugout.

Despite the positive results, one area for improvement is converting chances. Striker Sam Johnson has yet to open his account this season despite making ten appearances. The team's overall tally of 13 goals scored and ten conceded gives them a +3 goal difference. For a detailed look at the squad, visit the squad page.

The immediate focus is a tough test against seventh-placed Sutton United at The Shay this weekend. A fourth consecutive victory would see Halifax close the gap on the play-off places.

More detail at Sutton United Football Club