Preview: Pools v Hereford

Today sees the battle of the HUFC’s at Victoria Park as Danny Wilson’s table topping Hartlepool United welcome midtable Hereford United.

Pools go into the game knowing a win will take us another massive step towards promotion and strengthen our title winning chances.

Vital Quotes:

During the week Pools Ritchie Humphreys told the Hartlepool Mail:

‘It’s a bit of a different position for us now – we have been chasing the leaders for a long time and now it’s us who are there.

‘But it’s a position we all want to be in and all want to stay there. We look at Hereford on Saturday and we look at it as another game and another chance to get three points.

‘I think what happened that year can help us this time around. The feeling is still there inside – there’s still a few of us at the club who were part of the team which was promoted in 2003.’

Hereford boss Graham Turner commented:

‘It’s a big challenge but one we can respond to as we have always done well away from home against the top sides.’

Hartlepool United Team News:

Danny Wilson has no fresh injurys to worry about. Joel Porter, Darrell Clarke and Michael Proctor are all in training but not yet considered fit enough to feature in the first team.

Willie Boland continues to struggle with an injury he picked up in January and again won’t feature.

Player to watch: Ritchie Humphreys

Left back Ritchie has been Pools match winner over the last couple of games, Ritchie as scored vital goals from long range free kicks against Boston, Macclesfield and Walsall, ‘young’ Ritchie will be looking to continue his rich vein of former with another top notch performance.

Hereford United Team News:

Hereford are expected to be without centre back Dean Beckwith and wing-back Trent McClenahan who are both suffering from hamstring injuries.

Striker Steve Guinan is available for selection after extending his loan spell from League One side Cheltenham Town.

Player to watch: Steve Guinan

The experienced front man has scored five goals in seven games since moving back to Edgar Street on loan, the Pools defence will have to watch him closely.

Current Form:

Swindon 0-1 Hartlepool
Hartlepool 3-1 Walsall
Torquay 0-1 Hartlepool
Hartlepool 3-2 Macclesfield
Boston Utd 0-1 Hartlepool

Hereford 0-2 Stockport
Hereford 2-0 Barnet
Lincoln 1-4 Hereford
Hereford 0-0 Rochdale
Chester 1-1 Hereford

Match Prediction:

Pools must once again treat their opposition with total respect. Hereford still have an offside chance of a play off place and they did hammer Lincoln 4-1 at Sincil Bank just a few weeks ago.

Danny Wilson will be out the prove there is no such thing as a manager of the month curse and I think Pools will come through this game with another home win, prediction: Pools 3 Hereford 1