Match Preview: Pools set to host Rochdale

27 October 2023

After another frustrating result last time out, Hartlepool United are looking to get back on track as Rochdale head to the Suit Direct Stadium on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

The Lowdown

Despite starting the season strongly, Pools have slipped down the table in recent weeks after a string of inconsistent results. Now 12th in the National League, John Askey's side are five points of the play-offs after 17 games. Injuries have played their part in this downturn, meaning Pools have won just twice in their last 10 games.

Rochdale are a place and a point below Pools, with five wins from their opening 17 games. Led by their Head Coach, Jimmy McNulty, their side features experienced midfielder Adam Clayton and former Poolie Devante Rodney. Rodney got 11 goals last season, making him Dale's top scorer.

The History

This will be the 152nd meeting between the sides, with Pools winning 54 of the previous matches and Rochdale winning 60. Pools have won the last two matches, with Josh Umerah and Jack Hamilton scoring in a 2-0 win last time out.

Team News

Joe Mattock made his first Pools appearance midweek, and he'll likely be included again. Zak Johnson will be available for selection after picking up a minor groin injury last week.

Alex Lacey will be unavailable for selection after suffering an injury away to Halifax in midweek.

Kieran Wallace, Dan Dodds, and Anthony Mancini remain sidelined, while Callum Cooke has resumed light training but isn't fit enough for the matchday squad.

How to Follow

Tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket office in the lead up to kick-off.

If you're not joining us at the Suit Direct, you can follow the action via National League TV here. Match passes cost £9.50 and grant you access to all streamed fixtures on the given day. Please note that matches at 3pm on a Saturday are not streamed in the UK, so audio-only coverage is available.

Match Reports

Match Report: A game of two halves as Pools lose to Rochdale

28 October 2023

Despite a late push, Pools fell to a 3-2 home defeat against Rochdale at the Suit Direct Stadium. Dale went three goals ahead in the first half before Nicky Featherstone and Mani Dieseruvwe revived hope for Hartlepool.

John Askey named four changes to the starting 11 following Tuesday's 2-1 defeat at Halifax. Joel Dixon started in between the sticks while Matty Dolan, Zak Johnson and Josh Umerah also lined up for Pools.

It was the worst possible start for Pools. The visitors broke the deadlock on three minutes as goalkeeper Louie Moulden's long ball forward was met by Cian Hayes, and the Fleetwood loanee made no mistake in curling past Dixon.

Hartlepool's afternoon got even tougher as striker Umerah was forced off injured on six minutes. He was replaced by Chris Wreh.

Jimmy Keohane and Hayes had chances for Rochdale to make it two but neither could capitalise. At the other end, Dolan forced Moulden into a neat save from a free-kick while Dieseruvwe, Tom Crawford and Johnson also fired attempts goalwards.

On 33 minutes, Rochdale made it two. Another direct ball forward was flicked on by Kairo Mitchell, giving Keohane the chance to fire past Dixon inside the box.

As the clock ticked 45, Dale added a third. Central midfielder Ryan East strode forward before finding the bottom corner from distance.

Askey's side weren't dead and buried, however. In the sixth additional minute, Joe Grey chested the ball down to Featherstone to hit home and pull one back for Pools.

Both teams battled in a close-fought second half. Pools almost got another back as Crawford's low strike was spilled by Moulden, who pounced at the second time of asking.

Hartlepool got their second through Dieseruvwe on 84 minutes. The forward met Luke Hendrie's cross at the front post and headed into the bottom corner past Moulden.

The hosts pushed in the dying minutes for the equaliser. The closest Pools came was on the 90 mark, with David Ferguson's low cross evading everyone inside the six-yard box.

And with the referee putting the whistle to his mouth, Pools will now enter a two-week break before facing Ebbsfleet United at the Suit Direct Stadium.

Pools: Dixon, Ferguson, Mattock, Dolan (Agyemang 46), Johnson, Hendrie (Paterson 86), Featherstone, Crawford, Grey, Umerah (Wreh 6), Dieseruvwe

Subs (not used): Jameson, Onariase

Goals: Featherstone (45+6), Dieseruvwe (84)

Rochdale goals: Hayes (3), Keohane (33), East (45)

Attendance: 3509 (179 Rochdale)

Hartlepool United Football Club

Standings

Match Preview: Pools set to host Rochdale

Match Report: A game of two halves as Pools lose to Rochdale