Match Preview: Walsall visit the Vic
We are delighted to announce all the match information ahead of our game against Walsall at The Vic.
After a home win against Crawley Town and a narrow away defeat against Barrow, Hartlepool United continue their League Two campaign by welcoming Walsall to Victoria Park. The Saddlers were denied their first three points of the season after Scunthorpe’s last-minute equaliser on Tuesday evening, so they’ll be looking for a positive result as they travel to the North East.
The Opposition
In the 2020/21 season, Walsall finished 19th in the league, eight points clear of Southend in the final relegation place.
Led by former Portsmouth, Bolton, and West Ham midfielder Matt Taylor, the side has plenty of experience. Recent signing Stephen Ward boasts more than 200 appearances for Wolves and over 100 for Burnley, with the majority of those coming in the Premier League. Several players in the squad are also well-versed in the rigours of League Two, including midfielder Joss Ladabie and defender Hayden White.
The History
This will be the 54th meeting between the sides and the first since 2013. Pools have won 17 of the previous encounters, with Walsall winning 18, and 18 games ending in a draw. Most recently, Pools played out a 0-0 at Victoria Park in March 2013. The John Hughes-led side featured current coach Tony Sweeney and regular commentary guest Evan Horwood, while Walsall’s side included Pools’ club captain, Nicky Featherstone.
Team News
Dave Challinor once again has a fully fit squad to choose from. Mark Cullen has overcome his illness to be in contention, while Will Goodwin and Tyler Burey will hope to continue their goalscoring form. Jake Lawlor, Martin Smith, and Zaine Francis-Angol are all waiting for their first League Two starts for Hartlepool following their signings during the summer.
How to Follow
Due to the EFL regulations, Mixlr audio commentary now will be a subscription-based product. You can purchase a matchday audio pass from the link below. Once you have purchased your audio ticket, you will be sent a link and a code. Click the link, enter the code and the commentary will be available. Available from £2.50 per game.
Commentary starts from 2.40pm Saturday with Alex Chandy and Adam Boyd.
https://mixlr.com/hartlepool-united/
Once the EFL provide the new website and iFollow access, match commentary will be passed over to BBC Tees who will continue to cover Hartlepool United for the rest of the 2021/22 season via a subscription package on the iFollow website.
Tickets
Tickets will be available in-store OR online by following the link below:
https://www.venuetoolbox.com/hartlepoolunited/ASP/bookTickets.asp?homeArea=home&dept=
Away fans should contact their club regarding ticketing.
Covid Regulations
The club are encouraging fans to practise social distancing where possible, sanitize regularly and wear masks in crowded areas of the ground. You will not be temperature checked before entering the ground. However, if you are experiencing Covid symptoms then please don’t attend.
Fans do not have to wear masks if they choose not to, but we ask that they consider doing so when moving around the ground and in crowded areas such as queuing for bars, catering kiosks, toilets etc.
It is not a condition of entry for fans to be double vaccinated or have taken a Covid test.
Please arrive early – it is our first game with full capacity since March 2019 so expect there to be queuing etc. Please be patient.
Turnstiles
Turnstiles open 1.30pm.
Turnstiles will now operate with specific concession queues, please ensure you bring ID if you are using a concession tickets.
Concessions entry: C3,C5,C7,N13,N14,N5,N6*
Adults entry : C4, C6, C8, N11, N12, N3, N4
Away fans will enter the ground via turnstile C1 on Clarence Road.
Home disabled supporters now have access through gate number 1 in the South East Corner which will be stewarded. Away disabled supporters have access through the North West Corner gates via the car park.
*Adults will be permitted through the concessions turnstiles as long as they are accompanying a valid concession.
If your late, the only turnstile that will be open is N4, it will be open up to half an hour after kick-off.
Tickets
Tickets can be bought on the day from either the ticket office on Clarence Road or the ticket office on the Neale Cooper Stand.
Ticket Office (Clarence Road) 10am-3pm
Ticket Office (Neale Cooper stand) 1p,-3.30pm
The Neale Cooper Stand ticket office will operate a cashless policy and tickets will be processed through the correct system, accepting card only payments.
Fans are encouraged to take advantage of the £1 pre-purchase discount valid until midnight Friday.
Hospitality and Bars
Hospitality in both the Maidens Lounge and the Executive Lounge will be open from 12.30 via Gate 2 on the Cyril Knowles side of the ground. Both will close at 6.30.
The Centenary Bar and Club 1908 will both be open from 11.30am till late.
Fans that are coming into the Centenary before the game will have to exit via Clarence Road to head to their usual turnstile for the match.
Pools happy hour in both bars will be from 11.30-1.30, offering £1 reduction from the usual price of selected draft and bottled products.
We will have live entertainment in the Centenary bar from 6-8pm with Leoni Jade. Both home and away fans are welcome.
Kiosk, Bar and Catering
All Kiosk, Bar and Catering areas will be open from 1.30pm till kick-off and then once again open at halftime.
Club Shop
The club shop will be open from 11am-3pm where you will be able to purchase products from our full PoolsRetail collection including the new 2021/22 Pools home shirt.
Programmes and lottery
Matchday programmes and lottery tickets will be available around the ground for £3 and £1 respectively.
Parking
Clarence road will be closed between 1pm and 6pm for a 3pm kick off. You can book car parking for either one game or a seasonal pass by emailing:
enquiries@hartlepoolunited.co.uk
Volunteering
Should anyone wish to volunteer on a matchday, please express your interest to: