Matt Bloomfield’s side will be aiming to make it four straight away victories at Hartlepool United on Saturday afternoon.
The U’s positive start to 2023 has seen them lose just once in five games – last Saturday against Gillingham; but a good performance against Salford City on Tuesday evening, with Bloomfield’s side collecting a point, will give them confidence as they head north.
Fiacre Kelleher netted on his home debut, and will likely be in contention for a starting spot at Victoria Park this weekend after Tom Dallison picked up an injury at home against the Ammies.
And the U’s management team will have to consider their striking options with the recent addition of Lincoln City’s Tom Hopper. Both John Akinde and Samson Tovide have been in fine form, but Hopper will be hoping to make an impact at his new club after penning a two-and-a-half year deal.
The Opposition
Sitting twenty-second in the standings, Keith Curle’s side are out of the drop zone by two points, but they have played two more games than the team chasing them, Gillingham.
And the Pools have collected seven points in their last six matches, a record that includes doing the double over fellow relegation threatened side, Rochdale.
But Curle’s side were comfortably beaten on Tuesday evening by high-flying Carlisle United, keeping them in the danger zone of Sky Bet League Two.
Despite their lowly position however, Josh Umerah has been the shining light in the North East. The twenty-five-year-old forward has hit thirteen goals in thirty-one matches this season, including three in his last five games.
With thirteen in total, and ten in the league, Umerah sits comfortably ahead of the next top scorer for Hartlepool United, with Wes McDonald and Jack Hamilton both on three for the 2022/23 campaign.
Callum Cooke leads the way in the assists charts, with four to his name, while Ben Killip, the goalkeeper holds the most appearances for the club this season.
The former Braintree Town shot-stopper has been ever-present between the sticks this season, playing in every league game for the club.
Last Time we Met
Earlier in the season it took a 90th minute header from Beryly Lubala to save a point against Hartlepool, with Wes McDonald putting the visitors 1-0 late on in the second half.
The game was very even and a draw was probably the fairest result, since then the U’s form has improved and the side will be desperate to end January with a win to make it only one loss in six games and four away wins in a row.
Ticket Info
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iFollow
If you can't make it to the game on Saturday, you can keep up with it via iFollow. Both Audio Passes (£2.50 each) are available to everyone and Video Passes (£10 each) are available to fans outside the UK. Click HERE to see what options are available for you.