Dave Challinor reflects on the perfect start to Hartlepool United's season and what he wants to see his team do differently at Maidenhead United

Dave Challinor’s side go into the game on the back of wins against Aldershot Town and Chesterfield to start the 2020-21 National League season.

Aldershot and Chesterfield ended last season in 18th and 20th position in the National League respectively.

And with Saturday’s opponents Maidenhead losing their opening two matches and only staying up by 0.002 of a point despite being reprieved from relegation last season, Pools couldn’t have asked for a kinder opening to the new campaign.

But Challinor was quick to play down the suggestion that it’s been an ‘easy’ start.

“I’d never say easier, because I think you look at the league and what involves in terms of teams, there’s no easy way, anyone can beat anyone,” he said.

"I think if you look at the teams that we have played. Are they ones that, on paper, stand out that you think are gonna be right at the top of the table? You’d probably say not.

"The start of the season is obviously important and we couldn’t have asked for a better start in terms of what we’ve done. We’ve got to concentrate on that.

"Maidenhead have not had a great start, we looked at their start and thought well Sutton away and Kings Lynn at home for them was probably a decent start.

"They conceded early on Saturday and lost the game 3-0, Tuesday night they were 2-2 until injury time then Kings Lynn end up going and getting a winner so they will be licking their wounds a little bit but those games have now gone, their next opportunity comes on Saturday against us.

"There will be no complacency from our perspective but we know we’re capable of going there and winning.

"They’ll also back themselves to beat us to so we’ll have to go there and look to improve on what we’ve done recently. If we can’t improve on our performances, can we still take a result?

"That’s been the pleasing thing from the first two games, we’ve shown different characteristics and goo characteristics that are essential if you’re going to be part of a successful team.”

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