Can we stretch our unbeaten record to nine league matches?
Manager Paul Cox has branded tomorrow’s clash with Hartlepool United at One Call Stadium as ‘our biggest match of the season’.
Cox will be hoping that our side, who inflicted a first defeat of the season on arch-rivals Chesterfield last week, can continue their strong recent form.
He said: “It’s okay winning local derbies and taking plaudits, but it’s consistency that I am after and we’ll need to be on our mettle.”
“I don’t want it to be a case of after the Lord Mayor’s show.”
To hear what Paul Cox had to say at his press conference ahead of tomorrow’s match with The Pools, click here.
TEAM NEWS:
Defended Martin Riley is set to complete a three-match suspension, but otherwise, we have no fresh injury or suspension worries.
The Pools will be without veteran striker Steve Howard, who received a straight red card in the loss to Oxford United last Saturday.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Andy Rafferty, who missed the reserve team clash with Hull City this week, is expected to take his place in the matchday squad.
Midfielder Brad Walker, who has been sidelined in recent weeks with an ankle problem, is expected to undergo a late fitness test.
RECENT FORM:
Our team are currently in a rich vein of form, having not lost in Sky Bet League Two since the opening day of the campaign.
We extended our unbeaten run to eight matches and moved up to third position, with our fantastic 1-0 victory at Chesterfield last Saturday.
By contrast, The Pools’ 3-1 home loss to Oxford United was their fifth loss in just nine league outings this term.
Colin Cooper’s side, who were relegated from League One last season, currently occupy 22nd position and have gained only six points.
Their only win came on Saturday 22 September, when they defeated bottom-of-the-table Accrington Stanley at Victoria Park.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS:
Our last meeting with The Pools on home soil was on New Years Day 2007, when Andy Monkhouse’s late strike consigned us to a 1-0 defeat.
Hartlepool, who were then under the guidance of Danny Wilson, also won the reverse fixture in the North-East as Joel Porter netted a brace.
However, in 78 previous league meetings with Hartlepool, it is ourselves who hold a superior record, as we have won on 39 occasions.
We have registered a number of big victories, including two 7-1 demolitions, which were in October 1949 and May 1933, respectively.
Interestingly, there has only been one goal-less clash between the two clubs. That came in a Fourth Division encounter at Victoria Park in October 1984.
TICKETS:
Stags’ supporters will be able to buy tickets at the One Call Stadium Matchday Ticket Office, which will be open between 10.00am and 2.30pm.
Matchday prices are as follows:
£20: Adults
£15: Senior Citizens & Students
£10: Aged 16 or under
Children aged 6 and under are also admitted free-of-charge, provided that they are accompanied by a responsible adult.
Please be aware that there are NO CASH TURNSTILES in operation at One Call Stadium, so supporters MUST purchase a valid match ticket.
AWAY SUPPORTERS:
NO TICKETS will be on sale to visiting supporters at One Call Stadium tomorrow.
Hartlepool United supporters, who aren’t already in possession of a valid match ticket, should not travel to the match.
Visiting supporters will be seated in the North Stand and should enter One Call Stadium via turnstiles 9-12.
All supporters are also strongly recommended not to park in the retail park, which is adjacent to the North Stand, as you may be issued with a ticket.
COMMENTARY:
Supporters can listen to full-match commentary on Stags Player, which starts at 2.55pm.
To subscribe to Stags Player, click here.
