FC Hartlepool boss Hill warns players that the hard work is just beginning

A 2-0 home win against promotion challengers Horden CW last weekend saw Hill’s side pick up three points for the first time in ten games.

They will hope that their revival can continue when they host Chester-le-Street United in the first of three consecutive home league fixtures on Saturday.

The game against the Wearside League new-boys also offers Hartlepool an opportunity to avenge the 1-0 defeat they suffered at the Riverside in the first week of the season.

Ahead of the game, Hill told The Mail: “We are looking to build on last weekend’s result against Chester-le-Street, who have started the season very well.

“They beat us earlier in the season in what was a cracking game between two evenly matched sides.

“The lads are on a bit of a high this week, but we know that we have a lot of work to do in order for our league position to reflect where we should be ability wise.

“We go into the game confident we can get a win.”

Hill confirmed that he will monitor the fitness of Ash Clark, Sam Cook and Connor Campbell and both Adam Lewis and Ethan Payne are available once again.

The Hartlepool boss also revealed that Mike Snowdon has stepped up his recovery from the broken leg he suffered in pre-season and had his cast removed earlier this week.

Billingham Town will hope to improve their poor form when they host Ryhope CW in Northern League Division One.

Danny Earl will miss out as he serves the final game of a three-match suspension, but new signings Lewis Murphy, Joe Taylor and Matthew Wilkinson could be available.

Billingham Synthonia could move into the Division Two promotion places with a home win against Jarrow on Saturday.

Synners will have new signing Kris Summers in their squad as they look to secure a fourth win in their last five games.

“They are a young, well-organised team and they look to play the right way.