Darren Sarll’s men take on their first home clash of the season as Pools face Southend United on Saturday afternoon, looking to make it two wins from two.
Hartlepool have faced the visitors twice in the last year, winning 3-2 away from home in August 2023 and playing out a stalemate at home back in March. Southend are unbeaten at The Prestige Group Stadium in their last three visits – their last defeat coming in 2010.
The visitors finished last season six points short of the play-offs with a respectable ninth place finish. This season, Kevin Maher’s outfit began their campaign with a 1-1 draw at home to York, conceding with just five minutes to play.
Pools only scorer in their opening game win away at Yeovil was Jack Hunter. His goal, from outside the box, meant Pools got off to the perfect start 314 miles away from home.
From The Gaffer
“Without the supporters, we will never get anywhere,” stated Pools manager Darren Sarll.
“We need to harmonise what we’re trying to achieve together. We have a common goal – we want the team and the town to win, so hopefully we can harmonise those principles to our performance and we can have a much stronger chance.
“Hopefully those supporters make this the toughest place for opponents to visit, but we have to put our foot down first and lead the way.
“We’re going to need them more than ever – this is a really good Southend team and we’ll need every competitive advantage possible to replicate last Saturday.”
Last Meeting
Pools welcomed Southend to the North East back in March, with shot-stopper Pete Jameson playing a key role as the hosts played out a 0-0 draw.
The away fixture last August saw Pools fall behind twice but goals from Tom Crawford, Joe Grey and a late winner from Charlie Seaman meant John Askey’s side claimed a 3-2 victory.
Team News
Kieron Freeman will be eligible to make his Pools debut, having signed on Friday evening at The Prestige Group Stadium.
Darren Sarll meanwhile confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Greg Sloggett will be touch and go for the fixture.
Luke Waterfall missed this week in training after taking a knock in the second half against Yeovil last Saturday.
Kieran Wallace will return to full training early next week having underwent surgery during the summer.
How To Watch
The game will be streamed live on National League TV for supporters overseas, with match passes priced at £9.99. Click here for more information.
Ticketing and supporter information for those attending The Prestige Group Stadium can be found here.
