✍️ Join Ivan Sørensen again this week as we look at Halifax football clubs and how they are doing.
The Wanderers then
The lineup against Pacific stuck with the same wide 3-5-2, this time featuring Telfer up front with few other changes. The match itself ultimately felt evenly balanced, ending in a 2-2 draw. On one hand, there’s no shame in a hard-fought point, but at home, against Pacific, it’s fair to say supporters were hoping for more.
Looking deeper, it really was a classic “game of two halves.” The first half was disjointed, with the Wanderers looking a step off the pace. They had spells of possession but did very little with it, managing just one shot on target and struggling to respond after conceding in the 19th minute.
The second half told a different story. Halifax looked sharper and more assertive, seemingly turning the game around with a strong header sequence between Johnston and Kachwele, followed by Johnston converting from the penalty spot. But just as it looked like the job was done, Pacific struck late, leaving Halifax with only a point.
There are clear takeaways. The second half showed the team can be competitive when things click, and the attacking trio of Johnston, Telfer, and Kachwele offers real promise. At the same time, a first-half xG of 0.11 at home while trailing is a concern, and something Sartini will need to address.
The pre-season discussion around adding another striker also hasn’t fully gone away. There’s enough attacking talent to work with, but whether it’s sufficient over the long run is still an open question.
Even so, perspective matters: four CPL teams remain unbeaten, and Halifax is one of them.
The Tides then
Four more sleeps. We are so close.
Current standings
Week 3 sees Halifax sitting third with five points from a win and two draws, a return that reflects both promise and a bit of frustration. Five goals scored, which is tied for the most in the league with Cavalry and Pacific, shows the attack is producing, while four conceded hints at the balance still needing refinement.
It does feel familiar. Much like 2025, Halifax have started strong and stayed near the top through the opening stretch, only for form to dip later on. Whether this season follows that same pattern or breaks it will likely come down to how quickly they tighten up defensively and find consistency across both halves of matches.
Looking ahead, there’s a realistic chance to take something from the trip to Quebec against Supra, possibly even all three points. At the same time, it’s hard to see both Cavalry and Forge dropping off significantly, so while a move up to second is within reach, jumping to first feels unlikely for now.
Still, it’s early days, and the margins are thin. A single result can shift the table quickly at this stage.
And there’s no waiting around this weekend: the Tides finally take the field at Wanderers Grounds. If you’re not there in person, it’s one worth tuning into on CBC.