FC Halifax Town manager John McGrath has hinted he could make changes to his side for Tuesday night's National League clash with Hartlepool United. The Shaymen host a Pools side fresh from securing their first three points of the campaign with a 4-1 victory over Tamworth. According to a report in the Hartlepool Mail, McGrath took charge at Halifax during the summer and is now assessing his options ahead of the midweek fixture. Hartlepool United currently sit 12th in the National League table with six points from their opening four matches, having scored four goals and conceded three.
What did John McGrath say about his team selection?
John McGrath indicated that performances in the second half of Halifax's recent defeat to Altrincham have given him food for thought. He pointed to several players making a case to be included from the start against Hartlepool. "There's players who played second-half (at Altrincham) who certainly put themselves in the shop window to start against Hartlepool," McGrath said. The manager stressed his desire to utilise his full squad, adding, "I want to win games of football and I've got, I keep harping on about this, 22, 23 man squad and there's no point having them if I don't use them." He described the team's reaction after the break as exactly what he wanted.
How has Hartlepool United's season started?
Hartlepool United's season began with three consecutive defeats in the National League. They suffered back-to-back losses against Forest Green Rovers and Boreham Wood before the international break. The team then broke their duck in emphatic fashion with a 4-1 home win against Tamworth. A Zak Gilsenan brace was supplemented by goals from Conor Carty and Ben Tollit. That positive result was followed by a third defeat of the campaign, a 2-1 loss away at Altrincham. Jimmy Knowles and Tom Crawford scored for the hosts in the first half, with Hartlepool's reply coming via a Matty Kosylo own goal after the interval. Manager Kevin Maher introduced Owen Bray and David Kawa at half-time during that match in an attempt to turn the tide.
What is the current context for Hartlepool United?
As of September 1, 2026, Hartlepool United's league form reads two wins and two losses from four games, placing them seven points behind early leaders Boreham Wood. Their goal difference stands at +1. The team will be looking to build consistency and close that gap at the top. Supporters can track the team's progress and upcoming matches on our standings and fixtures pages. The club also received a positive fitness update on attacker Jack Nolan ahead of the trip to West Yorkshire, which will be a welcome boost for squad options.
What can we expect from the match at The Shay?
The encounter promises to be a test for both sides as they look to establish momentum. For Halifax, it is an opportunity for players who impressed off the bench to earn a starting role. For Hartlepool, the challenge is to follow a good home performance with a positive result on the road. McGrath reflected on his side's recent performances, noting, "The loss to Forest Green, there were some individual errors in there, but in the main the lads gave it a good go for 90 minutes - and we had been progressively getting better as the games have gone by." Hartlepool United's next assignment after Tuesday is a home fixture, details of which are available on our fixtures page.
