Dave Challinor assesses Barnet trip and the former Newcastle United youngster Hartlepool United will have to be wary of

Dave Challinor’s side are top of the National League after taking 10 points from their opening four games.

But after dropping points for the first time against Bromley on Tuesday night, the Pools boss is keen to see his side get back to winning ways.

“We’re in good spirits, we couldn’t have asked for a much better start but things move on quickly with so many games,” he said during his pre-match press conference via Zoom.

“As much as we’ve done well up to now, it’s important we go to Barnet and try to pick up three points again and all of a sudden Tuesday night’s draw becomes better as we’ve backed it up with a win.”

Barnet have had a mixed start to the new season with two wins and two defeats so far, leaving them 10th in the table.

But in new signing JJ Hooper from Wrexham, they have a respected goalscorer at National League level. The former Newcastle United youngster has scored 29 goals in 51 appearances since arriving in the fifth tier and already has three goals to his name so far this season.

“They’ve got a new squad which can sometimes take a bit to get going but they’ve got threats at the top end of the pitch,” Challinor added.

“Whatever form they’re in, they’ve got quality up the attacking end which we’ve got to be wary of. I’m expecting a tough game but we go there full of confidence.

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