Friday, January 18, 2008

DIVISION 1


HARTLEPOOL UNITED - CHELTENHAM TOWN

A couple of recent home wins and some decent loan signings, have given the visitors a realistic chance of survival this season. Their fate is very dependent on performances at Whaddon Road, where they are tough to beat, on the road, they are 1-1-9 and have managed just 7 goals.

The season has turned into one of disappointment for Hartlepool, after a very promising start , but they remain a classy outfit and this is a pivotal match in their campaign. A win would take them to within 8 points of 6th spot and keep the dream alive, defeat would leave them just 3 points above Town, current in the drop zone, having played a game more. The hosts are too good to get dragged into the relegation dogfight and are due a change of luck.

They have claimed just 3 points from their last 4 starts and could easily have picked up many more, maybe all 12. Last time out at Northampton, they dominated possession (55%) and created 15 attempts on goal, previously, at highflying Carlisle, they had a similar amount of the ball and twice led, before eventually losing. In the last two home starts against top sides Leyton Orient and Leeds, they again took the game to their opponents, had the best of the match and chances, but did not get the run of the ball, performance levels have been very high. There is little wrong with Hartlepool that cannot be put right with a decent win and I feel that will come tomorrow, it it does, we can expect a "run" from Danny Wilson's men. Home win.

6 points Hartlepool -1/2 ball 1.80 general quote.... now 1.72


Good Luck.

No comments: