Dave Challinor showing faith in Middlesbrough loanee as he discusses 'different strengths' of Hartlepool United goalkeepers

Dave Challinor has put his faith in goalkeeper Brad James for Hartlepool United’s crucial end of season matches.
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The Middlesbrough loanee has started the last four games for Pools since making his debut at Aldershot Town last month.

Despite James making what Challinor described as a ‘howler’ in the 3-0 defeat at Sutton United last month, the 21-year-old is expected to keep his place in the side for Sunday’s play-off semi-final trip to Stockport County.

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Brad James warming up for Hartlepool United (photo: Frank Reid).Brad James warming up for Hartlepool United (photo: Frank Reid).
Brad James warming up for Hartlepool United (photo: Frank Reid).
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Following the 3-2 play-off eliminator win over Bromley at Victoria Park, Challinor said: “These are experiences that will stand the players in good stead, especially if you’re a defender or a goalkeeper.

"[Brad James] won’t have played in an atmosphere like that before, he has now done it in two weeks on the spin.

"He had no real chance with the two goals, two poor goals from our perspective with set-pieces which we need to do better in."

Comparing Pools’ goalkeepers, Challinor added: “He’s come and taken things, he’s important to us and all of our goalkeepers have different strengths based on how we want to play from the back.

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"[Distribution] is a strength Brad and Ben [Killip] have over Henrich [Ravas] but in terms of coming for crosses and dominating the six yard box, Henrich has a an advantage over them where he’s better and more comfortable at than them.

"It’s horses for courses, Brad has done well for us and is part of a team that has progressed, certainly not comfortably but certainly did more than enough and the scoreline was probably a lot closer than the game was.”

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