Will Hartlepool United finally start the party?

By Albatross
April 25 2003

Hartlepool United face Shrewsbury Town as Poolies prepare to go to Victoria Park for the last time this season. Promotion is assured, there's still an outside chance of the title, and it's time for Pools to get the celebrations going.

After Pools just pipped them to a Playoff Place last season, almost everyone was expecting Shrewsbury to be challenging at the right end of the table. It hasn't happened, and the Shrews travel to Victoria Park in bottom spot and needing points desperately if they are to avoid the big drop.

41 points sees them one behind Exeter, and two away from Swansea and Carlisle. They have been at the wrong end of the table most of the season, but most people expected them to pull away - especially given they had matches in hand following their exploits in the FA Cup and LDV, where they reached the Northern Final. It hasn't happened, and instead the Shrews have had a recent run of form that makes Pools' recent problems look very small. They have failed to win for 12 league games, and have lost eight of them - including the last five on the bounce.

Scoring goals hasn't been so much of a problem - they have netted almost 60 in the league this season - it's keeping them out that has been the problem. With 84 in the "against" column, it's not far off averaging two per game. In fact, it counts as the worst defensive record in Division 3 by some distance. The 12 conceded in their last four games includes five at the hands of Darlington, and it's fair to say that things are getting desperate for the Gay Meadow club.

The fans are questioning Kevin Ratcliffe's management: and the former Everton defender is being less than convincing with his answers. Matt Redmile has been playing very poorly at the back, while the player most of the fans regard as the best central defender at the club - Pete Wilding - has been moved into midfield; and the 4-3-3 and 3-5-2 systems that he's been playing have come in for some criticism as well.

There's no doubt though that whatever their defensive frailties, Shrewsbury will provide a threat going forward. Luke Rodgers is well known to Pools fans, and Chris Westwood in particular, but is a dangerous player on the pitch: he's scored 18 times this season despite some injury and suspension problems. Veteran Nigel Jemson has hit the back of the net 16 times, and Ryan Lowe has also reached double figures. Steve Jagielka and Sam Aiston are also dangerous players going forward. On Deadline Day Ratcliffe brought in Scott Partridge and Steve Watts to add to their firepower, and also made the loan signings of defender Andy Holt from Hull and midfielder Robin Hulbert from Bristol City. With Ian Woan and Darren Moss both fit again following injury, Shrewsbury may well make changes from the side that lost at Bournemouth.

For Pools, only Tommy Widdrington is listed as doubtful for the game, after being substituted late on against Rochdale; should he not be able to play, it's entirely possible that Ritchie Humphreys will be asked to move inside, allowing Paul Smith to start the game. Up front, Eifion Williams should play - but I haven't a clue whether Newell will partner him with Henderson again or bring Gordon Watson back into the starting 11 - or even maybe Boyd or Richardson.

This is a must-win game for both sides, but for very different reasons. Shrewsbury need the points to try and get out of the relegation places, and should be battling hard - but are low on confidence; Pools are also lacking confidence, and need a win not only to keep whatever slender Championship hopes we have alive, but also to get the Promotion Party started at last. There's pre-match entertainment planned, and tickets have apparently been selling well - so there should be a good attendance and hopefully a performance to get everyone going.

I honestly can't see Rushden slipping up at Orient; but should they fail to win, only a win for us will give us a realistic chance of overhauling them on the last day. So I'm going to follow my heart rather than my head here and go for Pools to keep the pressure on with a 4-1 win - Eifion to grab a brace, Watson and Tinkler to get the others. That should get everyone in a better mood, and if Orient can snatch a point or more then so much the better!