After a two-week break, Hartlepool United return to action as they host Southend United on Saturday afternoon in the National League (3pm kick-off).
The Lowdown
Before the lay-off, Pools had lost to Solihull Moors and Barnet, though they were unbeaten in the five games before that. Now sitting 12th with 47 points, Kevin Phillips' side will be looking to finish strongly with nine games remaining.
Southend are three points and two places above Pools, having beat Dorking Wanderers 2-0 on Tuesday night. Kevin Maher's outfit are currently on an eight-game unbeaten run, with their last defeat coming 35 days ago against York City.
The History
The sides have met 49 times in the past with Pools winning 14 times, Southend winning 25, and 10 matches ending in a draw.
Earlier this season, Pools ran out 3-2 winners after goals from Tom Crawford, Joe Grey and Charlie Seaman. Before that, Pools' last victory came in 2010 when a Roy O'Donovan hat-trick gave Chris Turner's side a 3-0 win in League One.
Team News
Tom Parkes will be in contention after completing his concussion protocol, while Luke Waterfall has returned from illness. Tom Crawford has also served his two-game suspension and will be eligble.
Anthony Mancini is building his sharpness in training and Otis Khan is continuing to recover at his parent club. Josh Umerah, Luke Hendrie and Dan Dodds also remain sidelined.
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