City determined to continue winning streak against Hartlepool United

While the City fans have been rightfully enjoying the feel-good factor that comes about with a convincing derby win, the focus of the players and management since Monday morning has been to make sure that the supporters have another three points to gloat about for the following week.

The not-insubstantial proposition that stands in Exeter City’s way is Hartlepool United, who are making their 700-mile round-trip to St James Park just as the autumnal weather is arriving.

It is the second trip to Devon that Pools have made this season, with Torquay United being the first – a goalless draw on 31 August seemed to surmise the kind of start the Monkey Hangers had had to the season.  After the first month, they had won none, drawn two and lost four – and in the process had shipped eight goals whilst finding the net just once themselves.

So it was something of a shock when they stuffed League 1 side Bradford City 5-0 at Victoria Park at the start of September in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, and it has served to revive a club that didn’t seem to be dealing too well with adjusting following relegation last season.

However Pools had been struggling away from home when they arrived at newly-promoted Mansfield last week, and it came as a bit of a surprise to everyone to see them take a 4-1 victory at Field Mill and earn their first away victory for nearly six months.

Following up with a midweek win away at Sheffield United – albeit not the most difficult of tasks at the moment, given the Blades’ run of form – Pools suddenly look like a team with a bit about them.

But they arrive at St James Park to face an Exeter City side that are also seeking a third consecutive win – so on Saturday, something’s got to give.

KO: 3pm
Referee: Andy Davies
Assistant referees: Richard Hulme & Paul Rees
Fourth official: Andrew Bennett

Words by Richard Dorman

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