Dave Challinor has a message for his in-form Hartlepool United squad

And boss Dave Challinor is determined to see the winning run extended when Pools travel to face FC Halifax Town for the third time this festive period on Saturday afternoon.

Wins over Halifax Town and Notts County see Pools well placed in the promotion battle.

Ahead of the weekend, Challinor told the Mail: “It’s a league that notoriously requires consistency which ideally comes in not losing back to back but if you can put a group of wins together it can really help make a huge difference in a short space of time.

"We’re at a time of the year where games come thick and fast and if you pick up nine points in a week then the table can look a whole lot better for you and even if you’re bottom of the table and go on a run, that could take you into the top half.

"We saw with Maidenhead who lost their first three when we beat them and wins make a huge difference in tight leagues.”

Meanwhile, Challinor is hopeful David Ferguson will be fit to face Halifax Town this weekend but praised the impact of his left-back replacement, Joe Bunney.

Bunney signed a short term deal at Pools four weeks ago.

"Fergie, fingers crossed will not be too serious,” Challinor added. “We’ve just got to see how he settles and we hope he’ll be okay for the weekend.”

“Shelts missed out as well, he broke his hand against Halifax on Saturday and went for an x-ray which showed a fracture near his wrist.”