League sponsors Vanarama offer some answers about the actual importance of the first seven weeks
When even Pete Wild says he’s not looking at the league tables, you know a start isn’t anything more than an appetiser before the tasty main and delicious desert arrive.
Even if these first six weeks or so have served up some highly palatable moments for Shaymen supporters, we all know we can’t read anything it it, right?
Well, the 11-game point in last season’s National League actually showed that the first month-and-a-half gives us some vital clues to what’s in front of us.
Take the two sides promoted. Leyton Orient were just two points shy of leaders Harrogate at this stage last year. Salford City, who went up with them to League Two, were lurking – and just one point behind the would-be champions.
What about the play-offs? Well, six of the seven who held a position in the middle of September stayed there. Eastleigh sprung up from nowhere to join Solihull Moors, Harrogate, Fylde, Wrexham and of course Salford in there.
The teams at the bottom should be bothered by a slow start if the stats from last year tell us anything.
Three of the four sides sitting in the relegation zone are all National League South sides now. Dover – bottom 12 months ago – were the only side to turn it around.
So how does Halifax’s start compare to a year ago? Quite favourably, despite the recent two set-backs.
The team are third, up six places from 12 months ago. They had won five, drawn three and lost three last season at this point – now they have seven wins and 22 points to their name.
The position isn’t the only thing on the up. This season’s average attendance is 2,166, while the first five games at the Shay last season saw 1,906 watch on average.
It’s just a start, but more of the same would be most welcome for Halifax fans!
Sponsors Vanarama have recently launched the Club Reward scheme to help fans back their club’s budget. Every time a fan takes out a brand new van lease with Vanarama or a brand new car lease with Motorama their club will earn £100 and you will receive £30 cashback!
For the latest van leasing deals head to Vanarama.
For the latest car leasing deals head to Motorama.
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