Preview: Pools v Darlo

It’s been over four years since Pools welcomed Darlington to Victoria Park for a League fixture, this Saturday sees the return of the game we all love to hate.

Call it old age, maturity, cynicism whatever you like, but I hate derby games. The only good thing about them is the full time whistle (if your winning!). The week leading up to the game sees opposition fans hurling constant abuse at each other, taunts over tickets sales, blind faith predictions and the inevitable tool who wants to predict a bit of trouble. Why do people look forward to these games?

Anyway, it’s here, lets deal with it. Pools go into the game with the upper hand. The last time the two sides met was in the Coca Cola cup last season, Pools ran out 3-1 winners thanks to goals from Jon Daly and two from Michael Proctor.

The last league game at the Vic saw Pools rip Darlo apart with a stunning 4-1 victory with goals from Eifion Williams (2), Mark Tinkler and Ritchie Humphreys.

Managerless Darlo arrive on the back of a 2-0 home win over Barnet, although the performance on the day was apparently far from convincing. Pools last outing saw us go down 2-1 away at Chester City, however that game was a virtual right off after Jon Daly’s incorrect sending off in the early stages of the first half.

Vital Quotes:

Hartlepool United boss Danny Wilson told the Hartlepool Mail:

‘We know what this game means to people and there should be a good crowd, It is important that the players don’t get caught up. It is often a bit chaotic in derby games, especially in the early stages.

We need to keep our heads and focus and I am sure the lads will do that. The last thing you need is players throwing themselves into tackles and you end up with nine or 10 men.’

Darlington winger Neil Wainwright told thisisthenortheast.co.uk:

‘The game against Hartlepool is going to be tough and it’s a massive game. I’m sure they’ll be thinking the same. After the win against Barnet we’ll be going there full of confidence.

There will be a lot of pride at stake against Hartlepool and it’s a game we want to win for the fans.

I’ve played in more games against Hartlepool than anyone here now and I know how much they mean to the supporters.’

Hartlepool United Team News:

Jon Daly is available for selection of the FA agreed with Pools that the big strikers sending off at Chester City last Friday night was a truly shocking decision. I was truly shocked when the FA agreed, must have been clear cut as they’ll usually trying anything in their powers to spite Pools.

Definitely ruled out for Pools are long term injury victims Tony Sweeney, Darren Williams and Michael Proctor. Facing late fitness tests are Ali Gibb and Willie Boland, also Matty Robson after he limped off in the first half at Chester.

Player to watch: Joel Porter

A man for the big occasions, I think Aussie Joel is due a cracking game, he could be our match winner. Joel should be a good 3 or 4 goals up on his current seasons total of five.

Darlington Team News:

Darlo are without on loan defender Evan Horwood who picked up a fractured fibula last week, so the Quakers have brought in former player of the year Matt ‘Ave it’ Clarke on loan from Bradford City.

Speedy striker Julian Joachim is still apparently a week away from full fitness, although knowing Darlo that is probably a complete pack of lies!

Player to watch: None

Why would you want to watch a Darlo player?

Match Facts & Stats

Hartlepool 3-0 Wrexham
Lincoln 2-0 Hartlepool
Hartlepool 1-1 Stockport
Hartlepool 3-1 Rotherham
Chester 2-1 Hartlepool

Mansfield 1-0 Darlington
Darlington 2-2 Grimsby
Darlington 0-5 Rochdale
Hereford 1-1 Darlington
Darlington 2-0 Barnet

Match Prediction:

Pools 2 Darlington 0, I usually struggle to pick a scoreline, but today it’s crystal clear, a comfortable win for Danny Wilson’s troops. Joel Porter and Jon Daly with the goals, one in each half.

There was always one factor used to be particularly wary about when it came to derby games, the David Hodgson factor. For all the bile and rubbish he used to spout on Radio Cleveland there was always one thing you could deny, his love for Darlington FC. His passion lifted Darlo every time they played Pools, perhaps sometimes too much but on the whole I was never comfortable with him in charge, perhaps I believe his self promotion at times, lets be honest it was difficult not too.

As for the new guy, well temporary guy, excellent at youth level I hear, so was Martin Scott.

Next Fixtures:

Hartlepool vs Doncaster 31-10-2006
Hartlepool vs Barnet 04-11-2006
Accrington vs Hartlepool 18-11-2006