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MATCH PREVIEW: Aldershot Town v Hartlepool United

Following Tuesday evening’s 4-0 home success against Dover Athletic, Aldershot Town are back at The EBB Stadium again on Saturday, where they will be looking to achieve back-to-back victories for the first time this season. 

Rob Worrall previews the game:

Shots Squad:

Shots boss Danny Searle should have the vast majority of his playing squad available for Saturday’s game. James Rowe and Ollie O’Dwyer are doubts and Searle will need to see how Jacob Berkeley-Agyapong recovers from an ankle knock in the midweek victory over Dover.

Opposition:

Name: Hartlepool United

Founded: 1908

Nickname: Pools

Manager: Craig Hignett

Stadium: Victoria Park

2018/19 National League position: 17th

2019/20 Current position: 16th

 

Brief History:

 

Initially formed in 1908, from a successful Amateur Cup winning team, Hartlepool United joined the Football League in 1921 and until 2017, spent their entire existence in the lower two divisions. Their future looked precarious for long spells two seasons ago, but new ownership has now steadied the ship.

 

The Gaffer:

 

Unfortunately for Hartlepool, manager Craig Hignett left the club after a poor run of form saw the former Barnsley forward lose his job, including Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat away to Stockport County. As a result of Hignett’s departure, Antony Sweeney has taken temporary charge of the Pools’ game this Saturday.

 

Pools Squad:

 

Hignett kept 15 players from last season and has so far brought in 11. Notable amongst the newcomers are; Keeper Ben Killip (Braintree), Defenders Michael Raynes (Crewe Alexandra) and Gus Mafuta (Salford City) and striker Gime Toure (AFC Fylde). Toure is Pools current top scorer with 7 goals to date this season. Two players that were at Victoria Park on lan last season made their moves permanent; Nicke Kabamba (Havant & Waterlooville) and Luke Molineux (Sunderland).

Referee:

Saturday’s referee is Ryan Atkin and this will be his first National League game of the season. Atkin will be assisted by his two assistant referees Scott Williams and Alex James, along with Daniel Simpson who will be fourth official.

Commentary:

BBC Surrey Sports Rob Worrall and a special guest will be covering the game live on Saturday afternoon. Tune in to the BBC Sport website (or the BBC Sport App) from 2:50pm for full match commentary. To interact with the commentary team, tweet @RobShot66.