Hartlepool v Tranmere Rovers – Match Preview

A look ahead to Saturday afternoon as Rovers and their stand-in Manager Les Parry prepare to face Hartlepool United at Victoria Park in an important game for both sides in Coca-Cola League One as Rovers look to make strides towards escaping the bottom four places at the expense of a struggling Hartlepool side.

Hartlepool Vs Tranmere

Coca-Cola League One - Saturday 24th October

Victoria Park - Kick-Off 3.00pm

As the hunt for a new Manager goes on at Prenton Park, Les Parry takes charge of his first Rovers away game since taking temporary charge a fortnight ago when Tranmere travel to Hartlepool United's Victoria Park.

Something of a bogey ground in recent years, including the 2005 play-off 2-0 first leg defeat, Tranmere will be looking to snatch at least a vital point from this game if not all three against a side who have won just once at home this season so far.

However, Rovers have themselves only won once on the road and in other games have been beaten by scorelines including 3-0 and even 5-0 at Millwall in their last away trip in the League so the home side will fancy their chances too.

Ian Thomas-Moore Returns to His Former Club on Saturday

Last season at Victoria Park back in March, Rovers lost 2-1thanks to a Ben Clark penalty for the home side seven minutes from time after Ben Chorley had equalised a Michael Nelson goal within the space of 60 seconds.

In the home tie at Prenton Park in August 2008, a Craig Curran goal in the 23rd minute was enough to hand Rovers a 1-0 win in front of 5,418 fans.

Rovers of course boast former Hartlepool striker Ian Thomas-Moore in their side and fingers will be crossed that he can score against his former Club and hand Rovers the three points.

Rovers Team News

Les Parry has injury concerns, both as the Physio and Manager for three players ahead of this game in the shape of Paul McLaren, Chris Shuker and Michael Ricketts whilst Bas Savage is a long-term absentee.

With goalkeeper Luke Daniels returning from a one match suspension, Parry will have to decide between Daniels and his other on loan stopper David Martin who performed well in Daniel's absence against Brighton last Saturday.

The Form Guide

Home and Away (Last Six Games)

ROVERS AWAY: LLLLWL        HARTLEPOOL HOME: LLLDWD

Home and Away (Season Record)

ROVERS AWAY: P6 W1 D0 L5 F2 A15   H/POOL HOME: P6 W1 D2 L3 F5 A7

2009/10 (Last Six Games)

ROVERS: LDWLLW        HARTLEPOOL: LWDLDW

2009/10 (Season Record so Far)

ROVERS: P13 W3 D1 L9 F11 A28        HARTLEPOOL: P13 W4 D4 L5 F14 A14