Macclefield next up for Pools

By Albatross
January 21 2003

Hartlepool United travel to Macclesfield looking for another good result to.... hang on, haven't I already said this? Ten days after the original fixture was frozen off, and both sides have played a game in the meantime. Albatross looks at what's changed since.

Not much seems to have changed since the last time I wrote a preview of Hartlepool and Macclesfield (well it was only ten days ago), so most of the info will be the same - check out the link at the botom of the page.

There have been some changes though. Both teams played on Saturday, with Pools extending their recent good run to four wins on the trot, and Macclesfield managing a 2-2 draw at Bournemouth. The Silkmen were in fact 2-0 up at half time before being pegged back; Dave Moss is expected to field the same side though, meaning that new signings Ross and Nash are likely to be on the bench.

For Pools, Spike has now served his suspension and provides Mike Newell with an interesting problem. The back four performed creditably on Saturday, and after a couple of good performances recently Jon Bass will be wondering what he has to do to get a regular place if he's dropped for this match. There's also the issue that Macclesfield are strong down the wings, and Barron often seems to struggle if he's out on the flank against a tricky winger. On the other hand, Spike has been one of our most consistent performers this season. Westwood, although the subject of some debate recently, has been very solid as well, and Barron would consider himself unlucky to miss out after Saturday. It's a good problem to have, and it may be that Spike only makes the bench - a sign of how strong a squad we have.

There are unlikely to be other changes to the starting eleven, but Paul Smith may be fit enough to sit on the bench; it's another game too soon for Gordon Watson, although another reserve game and he's likely to be in contention.

Prediction time again then. Pools are on a hot streak, and traditionally do quite well at Moss Rose; Macclesfield on the other hand have been in a bit of form themselves and Dave Moss seems to think he's now got the players he wants. It's got draw written all over it, but I fancy Pools to sneak it late on in front of the cold, sodden Poolies on the uncovered terrace. 2-1, Williams and Tinkler to score.