Match Preview - Hartlepool v Rovers

10 September 2021

Rovers make the long journey to the North East this weekend as they take on Hartlepool United in the Sky Bet League Two.

After Saturday's win at the Mem against Crawley Town, attention turns to the match against Hartlepool United.

The two teams have faced off plenty of times in the past with the latest encounter between the two sides coming in 2016 with Rovers coming out 4-1 winners. Below is all you need to know about the upcoming fixture.

Managers Preview

The Rovers boss spoke to the local press on Friday morning at The Quarters, ahead of training and the squad departing on the journey north.

On the agenda was the latest injury news, while also touching upon the desire to carry forward the momentum generated by three home wins in a row.

The Rovers Manager said, "For us, last week was a good week. We had to fight hard for the victories we got, and that will continue this week, but for us it’s just following the process and hopefully on Saturday we can turn up and turn in a performance. If we do, that gives a further opportunity to build confidence.

“These league games, certainly the opening gambit, have been really tough and away from home we’ve got to build on a point we took at Barrow last time out. We were disappointed not to take three and we know Hartlepool will be a really tough fixture in their stadium.”

Opposition View

Speaking on his side's fixture this weekend, Dave Challinor says he expects a tough game between the two sides at Victoria Park.

Speaking to Hartlepool United, Challinor said, "We expect a tough game, from their perspective it's a squad that has been heavily invested in and they will be expected to be at the top end of the table, competing for promotion.

"We know what we're coming up against, but I'm sure that they know that they're in for a tough game and we've got to look at what we do."

Form Guide

Dave Challinor's side have had a solid start to the season, picking up nine points from their opening five games since being promoted via the play-offs last season. A run of form that has seen manager, Dave Challinor nominated for the 'Manager of the Month' award.

Last time out, they fell to a late defeat at the hands of Tranmere Rovers having just won their two previous fixtures in the league. Last season, Hartlepool won 22 games, with 15 of those victories coming at Victoria Park.

Our opponents will be without their top goalscorer this season, Tyler Burey has three goals to his name so far this season but has returned to parent-club, Milwall for treatment.

View From the Press Bench

Dominic Scurr, a reporter for The Hartlepool Mail, gives us an idea of what Rovers can expect when they visit Victoria Park and who can be expected to start in attack for our hosts in the absence of Milwall loanee, Tyler Burey...

"Life back in the Football League has got off to a solid start for Hartlepool United.

After a four year absence, Pools have started their season with nine points from their opening five League Two matches.

But it's at Victoria Park where Dave Challinor's side have particularly shone with three wins from their opening three matches on home turf this season.

In fact, with 17 wins from their last 19 league matches at The Vic, Pools boast the best home record of any side in England at the moment. Certainly one Bristol Rovers will be looking to put a dent in this weekend.

As a newly promoted side, the start of the season has gone better than expected for Hartlepool.

But they have recently been dealt a big blow with top scorer Tyler Burey facing an extended spell on the sidelines following a serious hamstring injury picked up during last weekend's 1-0 defeat at Tranmere Rovers.

It will be interesting to see how the side cope with his absence.

As it stands, Pools have just four attacking options available with Will Goodwin likely to keep his place up front. Here are the options available to come into the side to partner the 19-year-old…"

Ref Watch

Rebecca Welch is the match official for Saturday's fixture. Welch has officiated one game in the Sky Bet League Two this season with that being Rochdale's 1-1 draw with Colchester. Welch dished out three yellow cards in that game. Last season, Welch officiated 11 games across the National League and the Sky Bet League Two, handing out 47 yellow cards and one red card.

Betting Preview

EFL sponsors Sky Bet have Rovers priced at 2/1 for the win on Saturday. On the goal scorer markets, Leon Clarke is offered at 11/4 to be on the scoresheet at any time, while Brett Pitman is priced at 13/2 to open the scoring. On the scoreline front, a 1-0 scoreline in favour of the Gas can be backed at 7/1.

To bet with Sky Bet please click HERE. Please bet responsibly.

Matchday Tickets

We have sold around 200 advance tickets for Saturday’s game. Tickets are available on the day for away fans. Rovers will wear their black and yellow third kit on Saturday.

How to Follow the Match

Overseas fans can watch Saturday’s game live on iFollow – with a match pass costing the equivalent of £10. Supporters based in the UK can purchase a audio match pass for £2.50. To find out more about iFollow, please click HERE.

Match Previews

Match Reports

Match Report - Hartlepool United 1-0 Rovers

11 September 2021

Rovers fall to defeat at Victoria Park.

New singing Glenn Whelan made his debut for the Gas in a starting XI that saw four changes to last week's victory against Crawley Town at the Mem.

Rovers almost had the perfect start to the game, after Antony Evans' clever through ball found Harvey Saunders who's powerful effort could only find the side netting. The first card of the game was dished out to Hartlepool's Neill Byrne after a cynical foul on Saunders who was in full flow on the counter-attack.

Hartlepool's first real chance of the game came through Mark Shelton, who fired a swerving effort at Belshaw who was able to claim the ball at the second time of asking after it slipped through his grasp following the initial effort by Shelton.

Rovers almost made the breakthrough after brilliant work from Antony Evans who was able to cut the ball back to Saunders on the edge of the Hartlepool six-yard area, Saunders' following diving-headed effort trickled wide of the Hartlepool goal.

Leon Clarke, who netted the match-winner against Crawley Town was forced off the pitch on his first Rovers start after pulling up just before half-time. Brett Pitman was the man to replace the Rovers number nine up-front.

Pitman almost made an instant impact after a sensational play by Harry Anderson who skipped past two Hartlepool players before rolling the ball out to Pitman just inside the Hartlepool area. Pitman was unable to wrap his foot around the shot and it rolled straight into the arms of Ben Killip in the Hartlepool goal.

Hartlepool flew out of the traps at the start of the second half. Olufela Olomola sent in a low cross into the Rovers box, fortunately, Connor Taylor was on hand to intervene and direct the ball out for a corner kick.

Olomola was involved in the action once again as he found himself with a clear shot at goal, somehow Belshaw was able to get the slightest of touches to tip the ball over the crossbar.

The host's pressure paid off shortly after, Harvey Saunders lost control of the ball on the edge of the Rovers area following pressure from Hartlepool players. The ball made its way to the feet of Jamie Sterry who fired the ball past Belshaw in the Rovers net.

Rovers attempted a comeback in the closing stages of the game but Hartlepool were able to hang on for the three points.

Rovers face Leyton Orient next Saturday the 18th at the Mem (3pm).

Hartlepool United: Ben Killip, Jamie Sterry, Neill Byrne, Gary Liddle, Zaine Francis-Angol, Luke Molyneux, Mark Shelton, Nicky Featherstone (C), Matty Daly, Olufela Olomola (82'), Will Goodwin (74')

Subs: Mark Cullen, Jonathan Mitchell, Timi Odusina, Martin Smith, Eddie Jones, Reagan Ogle (74'), Joe Grey (82')

Rovers: James Belshaw, Josh Grant, Sam Finley (C), Mark Hughes, Leon Clarke (40'), Nick Anderton, Connor Taylor, Harry Anderson, Antony Evans, Harvey Saunders (73'), Glenn Whelan (73')

Subs: Jed Ward, Paul Coutts, Brett Pitman (40'), Alfie Kilgour, Sion Spence, Junior Brown (73'), Aaron Collins (73')

Ticket News

Ticket Info - Hartlepool United

6 September 2021

Ticket info for our trip to Hartlepool United.

Rovers head to Victoria Park on Saturday, 11th September (3pm KO).

Tickets for the game are only available via Hartlepool United's online ticketing portal. Click HERE to purchase tickets. To access tickets please choose the 'change to away' option which appears next to the choose the area/seat title at the top of the page.

Upon purchase, fans can request to have a physical ticket posted to them (£2) or they can select print at home or mobile phone ticket. This option will be available at the checkout stage.

Tickets can also be purchased via telephone on 01429 272584 and any wheelchair users can also book direct on this number.

Tickets will be available to purchase on the day via the ticket office on Clarence Road. However, we do advise booking in advance as the ticket office can be extremely busy on match days.

Away fans are located in the Simpson Millar Stand.

Ticket prices for fixture are listed below;