Dave Challinor expecting ‘a completely different game’ against Eastleigh as Hartlepool United eye ninth straight win at Victoria Park

The Spitfires beat Pools 2-1 at The Silverlake Stadium but Challinor’s side have since gone on a six match unbeaten run ahead of this weekend’s encounter at Victoria Park. And the Hartlepool manager is expecting a much better game from his side this time out.

“It’s a completely different game on Saturday compared with the game down there,” Challinor told The Mail.

"The game down there, the pitch dictated how the game was going to pan out and the pitch did neither team any justice.

"We have to make sure we don’t make any mistakes this time. If we do the basics right and do the things we think will give us opportunities then there’s no reason why we can’t right any wrongs from the game and put in another good performance.”

Pools go into the game looking for a ninth consecutive win at The Vic for the first time since the 2007 promotion season.

“It’s a brilliant record to have and we want to keep it going as long as possible,” Challinor added. “If we can make it another win then brilliant but if not then we need to make sure we pick something up.

"We’re full of confidence in terms of our performances and a little bit sore because of our schedule.

"Hopefully we can get through the next three weeks which are really busy and then we’re into April when we’re pretty much Saturday to Saturday and any potential niggles we have can be looked after and sorted properly.”

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