Hartlepool United defender Reiss McNally looks ahead to this weekend’s trip to face Solihull Moors at Damson Park in the Enterprise National League.  

Following back-to-back postponed games against Sutton United and Wealdstone for Pools, McNally emphasised that “everyone just wants to get back out there now” to local press. 

“You can train all you want, but it’s the matches you want to play in,” the defender added. 

“Personally, I think that Wednesday to Saturday is a quick turnaround, so it was good for everyone to get that extra bit of recovery. 

“But again, you can also build momentum. I know the York game was a bit of a tough one to take, [but in] the overall performance there was a lot of positives. 

“We look forward to Saturday now, and hopefully get three points.

“Every game is a must–win at the minute. The boys are going to go into it confident and do our best to try and achieve that.” 

After returning from long-term injury in a 2-1 away victory against Rochdale late in December, McNally has played every minute of every game, featuring in several positions across Nicky Featherstone’s defence. On the run of matches, he told local press: 

“It was just under four months out [injured], so I still think there’s things I’m trying to develop and bring back. 

“Credit to the staff, I feel they’ve managed me well in terms of my recovery, but at the same time I just love playing matches.  

“If I’m needed there [right–back], I can do a job even though it’s not my natural position. I’ll do the best job I can. 

“[In] the York game I played on the left side as well, I’m kind of getting used to everywhere now.

“You’re only as good as your last game, so I always make sure I give all my effort in whatever match comes.” 

When asked about the importance of the backline as Pools head into the final third of the season, McNally said: 

“We know our objectives and we know where we want to be come the end of the season, so I don’t think there’s [more] added pressure than we’ve already had.