Boz
Member
- Joined
- 30 Sep 2005
- Messages
- 8,933
- Player
- Iain Hume
Our last trip to Hartlepool was under Rob Edwards in the season we dropped out of the FL, a 0-0 where Rovers were apparently the stronger side. Ronnie kept them up then, but a couple of years later they are down in the NL. Quite a brave managerial appointment going for Craig Harrison, who'd done well in the Welsh league, but no experience at this level. After a rocky start, things have steadied and they are currently a place above Rovers in lower mid-table. Ex-Rover Jake Cassidy is on their books and they also have Deverdics, who was decent in his time at Dover. Like Rovers, they have trouble scoring.
Even if Buxton and Ridehalgh are still out injured, though MMs post-match comments suggest that Liam might be fit for Tuesday, there is no need to set up so defensively as for Aldershot. I did wonder about reverting to a formation with wing-backs and leaving DMH on the bench, but after reading Brightonian's positive comments re Dylan in the last match thread think this would be too defensive. Two up front is needed for this game and that should mean Cook alongside Norwood not McDonough. For away games, Harris' bite in midfield is useful, so I would be looking to 'rest' one of the other midfielders. Don't know if anyone else will come in with the freed up wages, though wouldn't expect them to start.
Prediction: Can't see a large turnout of the SWA for a familiar ground on a Tuesday night; guessing under 200. The most likely outcome is a draw, but with the manner of our defeat at the weekend and the lack of leaders on the park, another loss would not surprise me.
Even if Buxton and Ridehalgh are still out injured, though MMs post-match comments suggest that Liam might be fit for Tuesday, there is no need to set up so defensively as for Aldershot. I did wonder about reverting to a formation with wing-backs and leaving DMH on the bench, but after reading Brightonian's positive comments re Dylan in the last match thread think this would be too defensive. Two up front is needed for this game and that should mean Cook alongside Norwood not McDonough. For away games, Harris' bite in midfield is useful, so I would be looking to 'rest' one of the other midfielders. Don't know if anyone else will come in with the freed up wages, though wouldn't expect them to start.
Prediction: Can't see a large turnout of the SWA for a familiar ground on a Tuesday night; guessing under 200. The most likely outcome is a draw, but with the manner of our defeat at the weekend and the lack of leaders on the park, another loss would not surprise me.
