FC Hartlepool manager calls for consistency ahead of cup clash
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An impressive 2-1 Durham Trophy win against Boldon CA and a 1-1 draw in the Alan Hood Cup against the same opposition has marked a positive return to competitive action for Hill and his players.
The home meeting with Group Two rivals West Auckland offers Hartlepool a chance to continue their impressive run against a side looking to end a five-game losing run.
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Hide AdHill has demanded that his squad apply themselves in the proper manner as they look for the consistency that has evaded them over the last year.
He told The Mail: “Consistently, from week-to-week, has been our downfall and the lads know how keen I am to put that right going forwards if we are to finish as high as we should be with the quality of our squad.
“West Auckland Tunns are always a tough test. They will work hard and make things difficult for us if we do not apply ourselves as well as we have done recently.
“The way the competition is we can’t afford to have a slow start if we hope to finish in the top two in our group and qualify for the semi-finals, so a win is paramount.
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Hide Ad“It’s a competition we feel we can go all the way in, so we go into the Tunns game both motivated and in good shape.”
Hill revealed that he has several positive team selection issues to mull over ahead of the game on Saturday.
“We are going into the weekend looking very strong with over 20 players available and various options in different positions,” explained the FC Hartlepool boss.
“Luke Naylor, Robbie Hammond, Ash Clark and Jack Dennis are all likely to be available again this weekend. Mike Snowdon is another week along in his return and got a goal for his Sunday side last weekend.
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Hide Ad“It will be nice to see if we can get him some minutes if it is possible in Saturday’s game.”