Hartlepool United prepare to face Harrogate Town on Tuesday needing to halt a damaging run of five consecutive defeats. The club sits 21st in the National League with nine points from ten games, a position that demands an urgent response at Victoria Park. The team has conceded 18 goals in that time, a defensive record they must improve.
Their recent form shows a string of losses. They fell 4-1 away to Scunthorpe United last Saturday, having previously lost 1-3 at home to Worthing, 1-2 at Altrincham, 2-0 at Kidderminster Harriers and 0-1 at home to Everton Under-21s. Will Harris scored the consolation goal against Scunthorpe, with Callum Deeming providing the assist, and also netted in the defeat to Worthing. Harris is the team's top scorer this season with three goals, all of which have come in the last four matches.
Harrogate Town arrive in fourth place with mixed recent results. They beat Eastleigh 4-1 at home last time out but lost 4-1 at Boreham Wood and 2-1 at home to AFC Fylde earlier in September. Victories over Tamworth and Scunthorpe show their capability. They have accumulated 19 points from their opening ten fixtures, putting them firmly in the promotion play-off places.
The starting lineups from each side's most recent league outing indicate the personnel involved. Hartlepool fielded Nicky Fisher in goal against Worthing, with a defence of Ryan McNally, Charlie John, Luke Gibson and Joe Benn. Nicky Sheron, Joe Miley and Bela Ilunga were in midfield, supporting Callum Deeming, Will Harris and Joe Nolan.
Harrogate's last league side featured Liam Hutchinson in goal, with a back line of Will Burrell, Sam Dreyer, Alex Baptiste, Lewis Cass and Will McGowan. Midfielders Matty Williams, Ed Bristow and Ben Hobson supported forwards Billy Dolaghan and Jeremy Hmami. Hmami has been a key creative force, registering four assists so far this campaign.
With the team struggling for points, the focus turns to the standings and the need for a positive result. The full fixtures list shows the importance of this home game. Hartlepool host Harrogate Town at Victoria Park on Tuesday, 29 September, with kick-off at 18:45 UTC.
