Preview: Pools v Lincoln

Hartlepool United welcome Lincoln City to Victoria Park tonight, a home win for Danny Wilson’s boys would see us eight points clear at the top of the division before the regular round of Saturday afternoon games.

Standing between Pools and another three points are John Schofield’s Imps. Lincoln have been on something of a slump lately, two home defeats and away draw with Accrington has seen them drop from an automatic promotion place down to fifth spot. Schofield will be looking for his side to bounce back on the Victoria Park bowling green.

Vital Quotes:

Pools boss Danny Wilson told the Hartlepool Mail:

‘I’m not thinking about how many more wins we need. Before each game we have our objectives and last time it was to win against Hereford and try to get some goals back on Walsall.

I thought we could have had two or three back – I certainly didn’t expect Hereford to get two.

I can moan and look at everything again, but the bottom line is we won another game and it was another massive result for us.’

Lincoln’s Owain Warlow told thisislincolnshire:

‘Hartlepool would be a big scalp – they are at the top of the table and are there to be shot at. Everyone wants to put a dent in their lead and we go there intent on doing that.

‘We want to prove ourselves against the best in this league and our record against the leading sides is very good. Nobody gave us much chance of beating Walsall, but we went there and produced one hell of a performance.

‘Besides, Hartlepool will have to get used to everyone raising their game against them, like other teams did against us when we were top.’

Hartlepool United Team News:

Skippy Porter returned to action as the reserves ran out 3-2 winners in midweek. Pools star striker played the final 25 minutes of the game after being sidelined through injury since October. However it looks unlikely the Danny Wilson will risk the hitman, although a sneaky seat on the bench is not 100% out of the question.

Willie Boland still doesn’t appear ready for action, but whilst Sweeney and Liddle are playing so well Boland’s injury is not causing us too many problems.

Pools will check on the fitness of Michael Barron as late as possible, if the club captain is deemed not fit enough to play, Darren Williams will take his place at right wing back.

Player to watch: James Brown

Mr Brown is popping up with some vital goals at the moment, he’s grabbed four goals in Pools last ten games, a ratio that would see him collect just under 16 a season, not bad for a player who is now out on the left wing.

Lincoln City Team News:

Nat Brown returns to the Lincoln side after serving a one game ban. Paul Morgan and Paul Mayo are doubts with injury and illness respectively. Lee Beevers is suspended.

On loan Nottingham Forest striker Spencer Weir-Daley is also a doubt as he struggles to shake off a bout of flu.

Player to watch: Jamie Forrester

Veteran striker Jamie Forrester has hit 17 goals this season including three hat tricks. Lincoln are his 11th club and he’s scored consistently at all his previous homes.

Match Facts & Stats

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

Lincoln 1-0 Torquay
Walsall 1-2 Lincoln
Lincoln 1-4 Hereford
Accrington 2-2 Lincoln
Lincoln 1-2 Mansfield

Match Prediction:

Despite their recent form I think Lincoln are going to be very difficult opposition tonight. I watched their game at Walsall a couple of weeks ago and I was very impressed. Danny Wilson will need to have his side on top form, we won’t be allowed the mistakes we’ve had against Hereford and Macclesfield in recent weeks.

So I’m going for a very tight game but Pools to edge it by a single goal. Pools 1 Lincoln 0.

Next Fixtures:

Stockport vs Hartlepool 17-03-2007
Darlington vs Hartlepool 24-03-2007
Hartlepool vs Chester 31-03-2007