FC Halifax Town: Winger Macdonald starting to go the distance

The Town winger made a good impression in his debut season with Town last term after joining from Marske United four divisions lower.

But he completed just one league game all season, being subbed in 15 of his 16 league starts.

It’s a different story this season though; in 16 league starts this season - an ever-present in the National League North - he has played the full game nine times.

“I wanted to improve on my upper-body strength. I’ve tried to do that in the gym and hopefully people can see it’s working,” Macdonald said.

“When we’re not training I’m trying to get in the gym.

“I’ve tried to improve the physical side of my game and I think I’ve come on a lot more from last year.

“I kept getting cramp in my calves all the time last season. I tried everything I could and then I got some new special insoles for my boots that lift up my heel a little bit and take some pressure off the back of my legs.

“I’ve not looked back. I tried everything else and it’s crazy that one thing like that make such a difference.

“It hasn’t done me any harm playing in this league and I’ve got a gaffer who believes in me, so I can’t ask for anything more.”

The 21-year-old credits Billy Heath with improving his game since arriving from North Ferriby in the summer.

“I feel like defensively the gaffer and Bobby (Mark Carroll, assistant manager) have helped me massively,” Macdonald said.

“I’m getting better positions to receive the ball and get at the full-back.

“Billy’s put his arm round me and he tells me when I’ve done well and also where I can improve.

“He sometimes says I need to relax when I get into the box because I’m like 100mph, and hopefully by doing that I can get a few goals.

“I didn’t get much luck against Brackley - it hit the post, hit the keeper and just died on the line.

“Hopefully if I get that one, I’ll kick on and get a few more to add to my assists.

“I want to try and add more goals to my game, which I’m trying to do.

“I think I’ve had a decent start. I dipped a little bit in form for three or four games earlier in the season.

“But I’ve picked it back up and I feel like I’m getting back to my old self again.”

Scouts from Football League clubs have watched Macdonald this season, but the winger is unfazed by the attention.

He added: “I’m aware of that but I’m just trying to focus on my game. I don’t want to let anything like that get to my head.

“They’re only watching me, nothing’s been officially put in, so you’ve just got to keep going.

“You can’t let it get to your head or they might turn round and say ‘oh, he’s not doing it anymore, we’ll go and watch someone else’.”