Preview: Hartlepool United v Walsall

By Albatross
April 29 2005

The Playoff Race edges closer to it's conclusion on Saturday, and Pools could in fact secure a playoff place if other results go their way; however Walsall travel to Victoria Park in good form and will be aiming to throw a spanner in the works.

Mathematically safe after last week's win over Hull, Merson's side have flirted with danger without looking in serious bother for much of the season. Despite this, he has been retained as Player-Manager for next season and is talking a good game at least - he's encouraging his players to carry on to the end of the season and wants them to continue their recent good form. Then again, there aren't many managers who would be prepared to talk along the lines of allowing his team to relax at this stage....

Walsall's form though is good, and last week's result alone indicates they have to be taken seriously. Merson is actually a serious contender for Manager of the Month at the moment having gone unbeaten in April; and they've won three in a row, including two away from home and then a 3-0 win over a Hull side that in theory were still in with a chance of the title. It was a welcome recovery for Saddlers fans after March saw them lose every game and look in danger of plummeting into trouble much as Rushden did last season.

Part of that turn-around is due to an influx of new blood, both permanently and on loan. Keeper Andy Oakes has joined from Derby, David Perpetuini from Wycombe; while Loan Rangers Andrew Surman (Southampton), Craig Pead (Coventry), Anthony Gerrard (Everton) and Julian Joachim (Leeds) have all made a difference to the side in recent weeks. All except Surman arrived in March. Joachim is the one who has grabbed the headlines; a hat-trick against Hull took his tally to 5 in 6 games and Saddlers fans are hoping that he may join on a more permanent basis.

It is though a home-grown talent that is the leading scorer for Walsall; Matty Fryatt, just past his 19th birthday, has scored 14 goals so far despite frequently being left on the bench. Pools fans that made it down to the Bescot in December saw how devastating he could be; his introduction at half time effectively turned the game in Walsall's favour, and he's certainly a bright prospect. Jorge Leitao is next best with 11 in all competitions, with long-serving midfielder Darren Wrack on eight. Merson has played a lot of games this season but is more likely to be pulling the strings than scoring goals himself these days, and in fact is more likely to be on the bench himself on Saturday.

Pools meanwhile look likely to have Joel Porter available and I wouldn't be surprised to see the Aussie straight back into the first team. We looked a bit short of ideas against Doncaster, and Porter's drive and determination were much missed. Beyond that it's a question of whether Mark Tinkler is likely to return in the centre, possibly at the expense of Strachan; much will depend on fitness. Pools looked jaded last weekend, apparently due to illness sweeping the camp; we can't afford to let Walsall have the time and space to play in that we afforded Doncaster if we are to get a better result.

While this is a vital game for Pools playoff hopes, a defeat wouldn't end them completely no matter what the other results. A win however would put us very much in pole position, and may even be enough to secure a playoff place; I don't think any Pools fan would relish the idea of going down to Bournemouth and having to get a win to qualify. Pools though can't afford to under-perform the way we have against some other sides at the Vic this season - Wrexham springs to mind - as Walsall are more than capable of taking advantage if we are below par.

Nevertheless, I'm going for a home win in this game. Pools know how vital this game is - and for all Merson's talk about not easing up Walsall have nothing beyond pride to play for. If Pools show the sort of determination they did against Sheffield Wednesday there should only be one winner - I'll predict 2-1 for Pools, with Boyd and Porter scoring the goals. Then it will be up to how other results go......