Pools aim to cook Colchester's goose

By Albatross
December 19 2003

If Hartlepool United want to ensure that they are in the top half of the table for Christmas, a win is what's required. Colchester have plans of their own though, as they seek to consolidate their position in the playoffs.

Colchester's away record this season hasn't been too bad, the ninth best in the division, although their most recent away league game saw them thumped 4-0 by Rushden. They did overcombe Wycombe in the LDV away the other week though, and currently sitting in 5th place they will fancy their chances at overthrowing Pools away record.

Leading scorers for Colchester so far this season are Wayne Andrews and Scott McGleish, both with ten goals. Andrews though hasn't hit the net for five games and his place is under threat from on-loan Birmingham striker Craig Fagan, who is available for selection again following a recent suspension. The recent signing of Middlesbrough youngster Jamie Cade has also added to Phil Parkinson's firepower - although Cade, who scored against Pools while on loan at Chesterfield, has so far made just one sub appearance for the U's.

Expect to see Colchester line up in a 4-4-2 formation, although there may be changes - last week's victory against Oldham was not pretty to watch, and it was more grit and determination that got them the points than anything else - and Parkinson may be tempted to shuffle his pack for the visit to Pools in an effort to obtain an improved performance.

Pools meanwhile have Mark Tinkler back from suspension - and I expect him to go straight back into the starting eleven. I would expect Shuker to move across to the right at the expense of the so far ineffective Byrne, Brackstone may start in place of Robson, and Paul Robinson will once again be hoping to dislodge Joel Porter up front.

Ritchie Humphreys is the subject of much debate at the moment, but it looks unlikely that Cooper will drop him; however, Humps needs to start showing a bit more form out on the left if he is to convince the fans that he's still worthy of the adulation that was heaped upon him last season.

This is a game that Pools need to take something out of. We may be 10th, but there are four teams three points or less behind us - and another four five points or less away. Colchester though also want three points to aid their unexpected playoff challenge, and they will be no pushovers. However, I'm going for Pools to sneak a victory 1-0, with Paul Robinson reminding us of his early season form.