FC Halifax Town boss Pete Wild responds to criticism from Hartlepool United fans following postponement

Pools fans hit out at Halifax after the National League tie between the clubs on January 2 was postponed due to a frozen pitch following a 9am inspection.

The criticism continued the following weekend as Hartlepool’s match against Wealdstone at Victoria Park went ahead as planned despite also being subject to an inspection following sub-zero temperatures in the town.

Several allegations were made on social media that The Shaymen didn’t want the match to be played on January 2 – something Wild was quick to dismiss ahead of the third meeting between the sides in just over three weeks.

“It’s another chance to put the wrongs right from Boxing Day,” the Halifax manager told The Courier.

“Despite what [the Hartlepool fans] thought, we didn’t try and get the game called off, but some of the words that have been said makes it a little bit more spicy than I thought it was going to be.”

The fixture remained in doubt with Tuesday night’s rearranged match at The Shay initially subject to a 1pm pitch inspection before it was deemed unnecessary. Now focus remains on the match going ahead as planned.

“It’s another tough game,” said Wild. “We want to show we can match them.

“I didn’t see anything between the two sides, and I’m sure it’ll prove to be another good encounter between two form teams. I’m looking to make home advantage count and back up what we’ve done [at King’s Lynn] on Saturday.”

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