Preview: Hartlepool United v Huddersfield Town

By Albatross
March 10 2006

Friday Night Football returns to Victoria Park with Huddersfield Town the visitors. Hartlepool United want three points to pull clear of the relegation places; our opponents however are at the other end of the table and will be aiming to repeat last season's Good Friday victory.

The Terriers were one of the sides that I thought would be challenging this season; however, I didn't forsee them being in the thick of the automatic promotion battle. They come to Pools in 3rd place, level on points with Brentford just above them - but with the likes of Barnsley , Swansea and Colchester snapping at their heels. Three points is their aim from the game at the Vic.

Although it's their home record that has been the outstanding feature of their season, away from home they have been none too shabby either. 22 points from 17 games, and just five defeats, is certainly respectable. Currently they're unbeaten in five games, but their away record of late is less impressive - two wins, five draws and three defeats in their last ten. Their last away defeat was at Tranmere just over a month ago.

In terms of goalscoring, Huddersfield look to have some strength in depth. Pawel Abbott remains top of the heap with 13 in all competitions, but Gary Taylor-Fletcher, Andy Booth and Danny Schofield are all in double figures as well. Meanwhile Peter Jackson picked up former Torquay forward David Graham on loan from Sheffield Wednesday during the transfer window and he's netted five in seven games. Firepower is definately not lacking, and the Pools defence will have to be on top form tonight.

Abbott is a doubtful starter due to a back injury, meaning it's likely to be Graham and Booth up front. Schofield is pushing for a place in the midfield, and after signing a new contract in the week Jackson may decide to reward him at the expense of Taylor-Fletcher.

Pools meanwhile are seeing the injury problems that have blighted the season getting better all the time. Butler's back in training now, although he won't be considered for action tonight; and several others are in the frame again. Porter is apparently in contention despite not taking part for the reserves in midweek - I feel he may need another game or two before he's ready to step in - while the likes of Hugh Robertson, Matty Robson, Micky Barron and Tony Sweeney are all pushing for a recall.

In fact, the big question seems to be just who will partner Adam Boyd up front. I doubt it will be Porter, but with Proctor netting a hat-trick in the friendly with Gretna last week, Foley grabbing a brace for the reserves before being withdrawn at half time, and Daly also scoring for the stiffs, Eifion Williams has plenty of reason to be looking over his shoulder.

This will be another tough test for Paul Stephenson, and we're reaching the point where wins are vital. We may have a game or two in hand on some of the teams around us, but it's always better to have the points in the bag and I'd be far happier if we were going to Scunthorpe on Tuesday looking to pull further clear of the bottom four instead of maybe trying to get out of it.

Both sides want the three points, and one each isn't necessarily going to do either too much good. However I think that's what will happen - 1-1, with Boyd to score for Pools.