Dave Challinor questions leadership in Hartlepool United squad ahead of crucial period of matches

The Pools boss is looking for a reaction from his side following last Saturday’s FA Trophy horror show at Harrogate Town.

Challinor’s side led the game 2-0 after 77-minutes before an own goal and two goalkeeper errors by United legend Dimi Konstantopoulos gifted Harrogate the 3-2 win at the CNG Stadium.

It’s the second time in eight matches under their new manager that Pools have surrendered a two goal lead. And In that time they’ve conceded 13 goals, the majority of which have been brought about by errors of judgement at the back.

“My actions will speak louder than words,” he said when discussing potential changes to his side.

“We need leadership and that can come in lots of different forms, it’s about taking responsibility, it’s about sensing danger and being positive to manage games.

“We’re not good enough to hang on, we need to keep being positive and make positive changes that get us on the front foot. We’ve conceded some horrific goals through mistakes and I could point the finger but that would be pointless.

“Until we start keeping leads and kicking on, there’s always going to be that underlying apprehension.

“If you’re going to achieve anything in your life, if you’re not determined enough or strong enough mentally then you’ve got no chance and based on what we’re doing at the moment, we’ve got no chance.”