'Get on with it!' – Hartlepool United manager Dave Challinor expresses frustration with players' 'injuries' following Sutton defeat

Dave Challinor is expecting to have most of his players back and available for Saturday’s National League finale against Weymouth this Saturday (12:30pm kick-off).
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That is despite a few players going down and complaining of niggles during Sunday’s 3-0 defeat at Sutton United. Rhys Oates and Luke Williams both went down during the latter stages of the game before getting back on their feet and continuing until the final whistle.

And Challinor’s main concern following the game wasn’t about his players’ fitness, but rather their attitude.

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“We’ve got a few niggles but when you’re 3-0 down you suddenly start feeling things that you wouldn’t if you were 3-0 up,” he told The Mail.

Rhys Oates receives treatment during the Vanarama National League match between Hartlepool United and Sutton United at Victoria Park, Hartlepool on Saturday 30th January 2021. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)Rhys Oates receives treatment during the Vanarama National League match between Hartlepool United and Sutton United at Victoria Park, Hartlepool on Saturday 30th January 2021. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)
Rhys Oates receives treatment during the Vanarama National League match between Hartlepool United and Sutton United at Victoria Park, Hartlepool on Saturday 30th January 2021. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)

"All of a sudden, players are all saying ‘ooh I’m a little bit this, little bit that’ – are you? Get on with it!

"If you don’t want to play in big games, it’s easy enough, I’ve got people who will be absolutely snapping my hand off to get a starting shirt.

"I’m sure everyone will be fine for the weekend and we can pick a team that can go and win the next three or four games we’re involved in to get out of the division.”

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Harvey Saunders (knee) is expected to be back in contention for the match after missing the trip to South London while Ben Killip (elbow) and Joe Grey (back) are out for the remainder of the campaign.

Following the Weymouth match at Victoria Park this weekend, Pools will then host a play-off match in June. Whether that’s a semi-final or an eliminator match will be determined based on results on the final day of the season.

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