United make the mammoth trip to fourth place Hartlepool in confidence after Tuesday night’s 4-1 win over Aldershot.
United topped the National League table after Tuesday night’s result but Stockport County and Sutton United are in touching distance. Stockport take on Weymouth at home and Sutton United do not have a match after their fixture against Wrexham was postponed.
“All of us are looking forward to competing to keep our run going,” said Gary Johnson ahead of the match. “Hartlepool have had a very good start to the season, similar to ourselves. With the added TV audience I’m sure both teams will want to give a good account of themselves.
“Confidence is good at the moment, amongst the boys. And although we have a very long trip north, we hope to show our fans watching at home a game where they can feel proud of their team.”
United will travel over 700 miles in total, with Hartlepool away being their longest round trip of the season.
Forward Danny Wright put his name into the hat amongst the top scorers in the division after Tuesday night’s match with two goals. Ben Wynter and Ben Wynter also scored their first goals of the season.
Pools come into Saturday’s match on the back of two draws against Bromley and Altrincham respectively. Sandwiched between those draws was a 6-0 win over Ilkeston Town in the Emirates FA Cup. But it was their three wins at the beginning of the season that propelled them up the National League. Wins over Aldershot and Chesterfield were followed by a thumping 4-0 win over Maidenhead United away.
Pool were boosted ahead of this match with the news that midfielder Luke Williams and defender Ryan Johnson have signed new contract. Johnson is currently Hartlepool’s leading scorer with two league goals.
Who’s The Boss
Dave Challinor had a long and successful career in league football appearing for such teams as Tranmere Rovers, Stockport County, and Bury. He reached the 2000 League Cup Final with Tranmere, losing out 2-1 to Premier League side, Leicester City.
He began his managerial career at Colwyn Bay before a eight year stay at AFC Fylde. With Challinor in charge the Coasters managed five promotions. Their fifth and final promotion came as they clinched the National League North championship in 2017. He was appointed Hartlepool manager in November 2019.
National League | Hartlepool Vs Torquay United | BT Sport | 31/10/20 | 5:20pm KO
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