Hartlepool United manager Dave Challinor ready to 'take risks' at Stockport County in order to achieve play-off success

Dave Challinor’s side have gained plenty of plaudits for their high-pressing, high intensity approach that saw them finish fourth in the table and progress to the play-off semi-final against Stockport on Sunday afternoon (12pm kick-off).

Pools’ style of play saw them pick up big wins over the likes of Stockport during the regular season while also seeing them race into an early 3-0 lead over Bromley last weekend.

But there are also considerable risks to the manner in which they play, with the likes of Sutton United and Maidenhead exposing them last month.

Despite the season being on the line at Edgeley Park, Challinor has no intentions of altering his side’s approach to the match.

“We have to [take risks],” he told The Mail. “It's a trade off in terms of, it's difficult sometimes because we have been a team who have been open and expansive so all of a sudden to go into our shell for a play-off game and then live to regret that by not progressing wouldn't be doing ourselves justice.

"We've worked all season to play in the manner that we do and it takes real courage to keep doing that in an environment where the season is on the line.

"We'll absolutely be trying to do that again at Stockport and if we don't progress based on playing that way then it's something we can live with.

"We know if we do what we do well then we're a threat for anyone in the division.”

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