After their relegation to the National League was confirmed last week, Hartlepool United travel to Stockport next Monday to finish their League Two campaign at Stockport County (12.30pm KO).
The Opposition
Stockport have enjoyed a successful first season back in the EFL, playing league football for the first time since 2011. They're two points behind Northampton with just one game to play, and they'll still harbour hopes of automatic promotion for the second time in two seasons.
Former Pools boss Dave Challinor is at the helm for the Hatters, with three former Poolies in the squad - Macauley Southam-Hales, Neill Byrne, and Ryan Johnson. Ex-Sunderland, Burnley, and Stoke defender Phil Bardsley also features for Stockport.
The History
The sides have met 140 times previously, with Pools winning 50 times, Stockport winning 58 times, and 32 matches ending in a draw. The Hatters ran out 5-0 winners earlier this season, and before that, Pools were 1-0 winners in the National League play-off semi-final back in 2021. The loss earlier this season was Pools' only defeat against the Hatters in the last five meetings.
Team News
The players available to John Askey last week are likely to be involved again. There are no new injury concerns within the camp, but the game is still too early for Euan Murray or Alex Lacey due to their respective injuries.
How to Follow
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