Preview: Olham Athletic v Hartlepool United

By Albatross
December 30 2005

It's the last game of 2005, and Hartlepool United travel to Oldham Athletic hoping to gain a confidence boost to start 2006 with. Certainly Pools could do with a lift at the moment....

With their game at Blackpool called off on Wednesday, the Latics should be the fresher side - and as they sit three points better off than Pools already they have plenty of reasons to expect a home win.

Currently Oldham are unbeaten in six league games (W3 D3), and with a decent-looking squad the hope at Boundary Park must be that Ronnie Moore can lift them further up than their current position in mid-table. Former Wigan forward Andy Liddell could have a big part to play if they do - he's scored ten goals in all competitions already this season, and isn't lacking support in the goalscoring stakes as Paul Warne has already scored eight and so has Chris Porter. Porter though was on the bench on Boxing Day, as Luke Beckett scored only his second goal following an injury-hit start to the season. Meanwhile in midfield former Blackpool star Ritchie Wellens - at one point marked out as a player to watch by Seasiders fans - has been an ever-present in the home side's engine-room.

Oldham look likely to be missing Danny Hall due to a shoulder injury, but on the plus side should welcome back Terrell Forbes, and after suspension Rob Scott. Pools meanwhile have Thomas Butler added to the long list of injured players, meaning more reshuffling for Martin Scott. Ritchie Humphreys may move into midfield again, leaving the option of bringing John Brackstone back, or recalling Matty Robson following his return to full training. It's possible Darren Williams may replace Craddock on the other flank.

While there has been little doubt about the fact that recent performances have shown a dramatic improvement, culminating in Darryl Flahavan's almost single-handed denying us of victory on Wednesday, the sad fact is that Pools have still only collected four points from the five games since the Tamworth debacle. Scott remains under pressure, and really needs a result from this game and then a convincing win on Tuesday to rekindle any hope that Pools can challenge for the top 10. I'll go for a 1-1 draw at Boundary Park, with Eifion Williams to score again - as no-one else looks likely to.