Dave Challinor praises 'massive improvent' of Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers youngsters at Hartlepool United

Hartlepool United’s goalless draw at Barnet on Tuesday night was the side’s first clean sheet in six matches in all competitions.
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A new look defensive line of David Ferguson, Tyler Magloire, Ryan Johnson and Lewis Cass with Henrich Ravas has been used by Dave Challinor’s side ever since the 5-0 defeat at home to Torquay United last month.

And after a strong defensive showing at Yeovil Town over the weekend, the Hartlepool manager is pleased with the progress his side are making at the back.

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"It’s been really good over the past couple of games,” Challinor told The Mail.

Tyler Magloire and Ryan Johnson have formed a solid partnership at the back for Pools (photo: Frank Reid).Tyler Magloire and Ryan Johnson have formed a solid partnership at the back for Pools (photo: Frank Reid).
Tyler Magloire and Ryan Johnson have formed a solid partnership at the back for Pools (photo: Frank Reid).

“Tyler has improved game on game. They should take a lot of confidence from Saturday’s game at Yeovil because it was a different ask for them.

"I expected them to dominate the game physically at Barnet which they did but we’ve got good pace too to handle the threat they potentially posed.

"Barnet don’t have the biggest forward line but they’ve got quick players and I thought we looked really solid.

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"It was stretched a bit towards the end so it was always going to be a bit hairy-scary watching from the sidelines.

"But they have done great, Cass has been really solid and continues to improve with every game he plays. The longer they can keep playing, Timi [Odusina] is now back fit and putting pressure on them and could quite easily slot into the team so it’s a good problem to have and a massive improvement from where we were a few weeks ago.”

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