Dave Challinor assesses Hartlepool United's fixture run-in and play-off chances ahead of Ebbsfleet United match

Pools currently sit level on points with the top seven and arguably have a favourable run of fixtures until the end of the season – but there are no easy games in the National League.

Halifax Town are the only side above United that they are yet to play this season as Dave Challinor’s side look to continue their play-off push.

Hartlepool are still to face all of the bottom three sides in the fifth tier with 22nd placed Ebbsfleet United next up at Victoria Park this weekend.

Discussing United’s fixture run-in, Challinor commented: “It is what it is, you play every team twice.

“There may be things toward the end of the season that might go your way if you’re playing a team that potentially has not a lot to play for.

“It’s the luck of the draw how the fixtures pan out. We’ve just got to take care of our stuff first and foremost and if results elsewhere go our way then it becomes a doubly happy weekend but if not then it’s just a happy weekend and we move onto the next one.

“Anyone between third and 13th has a chance of getting in [the play-offs], that’s the way it is.

“The teams around us are playing each other so we need to take care of ourselves and things can look a whole lot brighter. Regardless of what happens, there’s still a long way to go.”