Nicky Featherstone is hopeful that Hartlepool United can return to winning ways against FC Halifax Town in the Enterprise National League following a 1-1 draw at home to Morecambe on Tuesday night.
Reflecting on the 1-1 draw against the Shrimps earlier in the week, Featherstone told local press:
“I was gutted initially. It felt like a defeat. I think a lot of us forgot that we still managed to get a result.”
That said, the interim manager highlighted the positive start to the match, where Pools were on the front foot, saying:
“I thought we did it (being on the front foot) brilliantly for 30-35 minutes. We got a goal from doing that and we got chances from doing that, but probably needed a second in that period.
“We have to kill teams off when we have the opportunity.”
While Hartlepool have lost only once at the Prestige Group Stadium this season, Featherstone is keen to improve on their home fortunes.
“We are not winning enough games at home. Although only one defeat, there has been too many draws.
“It’s on us as players and staff to find a way of winning at home.
“The best teams I’ve been involved in at Hartlepool have always done well at home and that’s been the basis of the success we’ve had in my time here.
“I’m absolutely desperate whilst I’m here, for however long that is, to turn that (home form) around.”
Shifting attention to the trip to Halifax, Featherstone said:
“They (Halifax) play out quite a bit from the back. They’ve got a lot of technical players, they’re a young side, they’re energetic, and they get the ball forward fast.”
The interim manager added, “It is a tough test for us, but we’re looking to go and win the game.
“It gives us the opportunity to take four points from the week and eight points from the four games I’ve been here.
“That’s the goal this weekend.”
Last time out, Pools were without Luke Charman and Vadaine Oliver, who have provided a combined nine goal contributions for the side in the Enterprise National League so far.
Featherstone gave a valuable update on the pair’s fitness levels:
“He (Vadaine) will have a (knee) scan tomorrow. It’s out of my hands at the minute; we will wait for those results to come up.”
As for Charman, the head coach added:
“He’s desperate to get back out there and he’s going to give himself the best possible chance of playing but I would say it is probably a game too soon.”
