Dave Challinor has this strong message for Hartlepool United's promotion rivals

Dave Challinor believes Hartlepool United’s victory over promotion rivals Notts County should act as a warning to others ahead of the National League run-in.
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League leaders Pools are 14 games unbeaten with 11 wins from 12 at Victoria Park and have now done the double over Notts County without conceding a goal.

The 2-0 win on Saturday teatime in front of the TV cameras saw Pools – who travel to Wealdstone on Saturday afternoon - move above Sutton United, though they have four games in hand.

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And Challinor says Pools are full of confidence ahead of the final weeks of the campaign.

Hartlepool United head to Wealdstone on Saturday in the National League.  Chris Booth | MI News & Sport LtdHartlepool United head to Wealdstone on Saturday in the National League.  Chris Booth | MI News & Sport Ltd
Hartlepool United head to Wealdstone on Saturday in the National League. Chris Booth | MI News & Sport Ltd

Challinor said: “To be able to keep the run going is great but to do that alongside having a very good record against the teams in and around us is great.

"That will potentially be required at the back end of the season as we get into those more high-pressure games.

"We’ll go into those games in good shape and believe we can win them.

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"Against the teams at the top of the table, we’ve had a good run and to keep winning and keep the record going here is massively pleasing and for the first time, it’s been able to have a big impact on how the table looks.”

Indeed the National League table certainly looks good to Pools’ supporters at present.

And Challinor is keen for his squad to keep building on the positivity and momentum gained in recent weeks and to give the fans – who haven’t been allowed into Victoria Park all season due to the coronavirus pandemic – something to really shout about when they do return.

Ahead of the midweek fixtures, Challinor added: “The sooner they return the better from the players’ and management perspective but not for the people who have to try and organise it because good luck trying to only allow 2,000 in here because we’d probably get close to 6,000 in here if they were allowed at the moment.

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"We’ve got to make sure all the support we’re getting away from the football club has some meaning at the end of the season.”

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