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Last year, Paul McCallum swept up the National League Golden Boot with 31 goals for Eastleigh, scoring six more than Nicke Kabamba (Barnet) and Will Grigg (Chesterfield). This years race looks tight, with many players in contention after just 11 games.
Nick Haughton started his professional career with Bolton Wanderers. After playing for Fleetwood Town and Salford City, he joined Fylde in 2018. Haughton has since thrived, leading Fylde in goals scored with more than 80 and taking home multiple individual trophies, such as National League North Player of the Year.
He has started this season on fire, scoring 10 goals, including a hat trick in the opening day victory over Solihull Moors and goals in his last three games. After scoring 18 goals last season from midfield, Haughton will be looking to replicate that this season to help the Coasters survive a tough-looking National League.
Mitchell, who was born in Leicester, England, has played international football for Grenada, winning 19 caps and tallying three goals. In July 2023, Mitchell signed a contract with Rochdale after previous spells at Notts County and Gateshead.
His first season at Rochdale saw him score 14 goals and has nine in 12 this season- all of these coming in the last seven games.
By far the most surprising name in the list is Gus Scott-Morriss. The 27-year-old is a right-back who has scored nine goals already. Joining the club in July 2022 from Hemel Hempstead, Scott Morriss has proven himself as one of the best defenders in the league. He has also featured for the England C team, earning his first cap in March 2023. Last season, he was named in the National League team of the season after scoring eight goals.
Welsh striker Christian Doidge rejoined Forest Green Rovers in January 2024 following a spell in Scotland with Hibernian. Known for his past achievements at the club, Doidge had left a lasting impression in his 122 appearances, scoring 66 goals to help Forest Green reach important landmarks, such as their first EFL goal.
When he returned, Doidge said he was thrilled to be back at the club where he had "so many memories" and that he wanted to repeat his previous achievements.
He has started this season strong, scoring seven goals. He looks the most likely to take home the Golden Boot.
Paul McCallum has had two successful stints with Eastleigh FC, first joining the club in 2017 and returning in 2023. He scored 35 goals in the 2023–2024 season, which saw him emerge as the National League's top scorer. Among his remarkable feats was an FA Cup brace against Reading, which helped lead Eastleigh to the third round. McCallum has made over 100 appearances for Eastleigh and has scored over 70 goals overall. He agreed to a two-year contract extension in 2024.
Pereira, now 25, has had an interesting career, having played in the MLS for Atlanta United. He also represents Antigua and Barbuda internationally, with five caps and one goal. He is currently on loan at Dagenham & Redbridge from Luton Town for the 2024-25 season, marking his second stint with the club. Last season, Pereira made a significant impact, scoring three goals in 17 appearances.
With dazzling dribbling and clinical finishing, Pereira has highlighted his sheer ability in this league.
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