Hartlepool United manager Simon Grayson says that he is ‘looking forward’ to Saturday’s Enterprise National League fixture against Braintree Town at the Prestige Group Stadium.
The Pools boss spoke to the local press in the build-up to the weekend’s clash with The Iron.
Reflecting on last week’s goalless draw with Yeovil Town, Grayson said, “I think we’d have taken the draw and a clean sheet before the game, but we still know that we can do better in certain areas of the pitch.
“I was pleased with the mentality that the players had, because when we were under pressure from set pieces, we dealt with first balls, second balls, and we made good blocks.
“We know we’ve still got work to do.”
Grayson believes that home form will be a big player in the outcome of Pools’ season.
“We want [The Prestige Group Stadium] to be a fortress.
“We want our supporters to be as vocal as possible in a positive manner, and we have to give them something to cheer about.
“I know what the crowd demands, even if it means somebody makes a lung-busting run and makes a tackle.”
Grayson tasted defeat in just one of the four home matches in pre-season, winning against Rangers and Leeds United respectively.
“We had the backing in pre-season, but now the league has come along, there is a bit more obviously riding on these games.
“We’ve got to play on the front foot – with our head as well as our heart, as well, and make sure that we don’t make silly mistakes or get undone needlessly and get caught away with the emotion of the first home game.”
Braintree come into the fixture fresh from two successive wins – beating FC Halifax Town 3-0 on the opening day, and a 2-0 victory in midweek over Leicester City’s U21 in the National League Cup.
Grayson expects the Iron to travel to Hartlepool with full confidence.
“To start in that matter is great for them, so you’re respectful of the opposition.
“We’ve done a lot of work on them, we know the strengths and weaknesses, and we’ll be trying to put into practice what we think will hurt them.”
