Hartlepool United goalkeepers head to head: How do former Chelsea goalkeeper Ben Killip and Derby County loanee Henrich Ravas compare after playing six matches each?

Ben Killip started the season in between the sticks for Pools as they got the 2020-21 campaign off to a flying start with three straight wins and going five unbeaten before the 5-0 home humbling at the hands of Torquay United.

Derby County loanee Henrich Ravas was restricted to FA Cup appearances in the opening month of the season before getting a chance in the National League as Pools looked to turn their form around.

With six games played each, Killip boasts a slightly better record result wise with three wins, two draws and one defeat to Ravas’ two wins, one draw and three defeats.

Goals conceded

England C international Killip had conceded just three goals in his opening five games this season before the Torquay defeat took his tally to eight conceded.

Three one on one strikes, two back post headers, a close-range strike, a tap in from a corner and a penalty compile the goals Killip has conceded so far this season, none of which he could be found directly at fault for.

In comparison, Ravas has conceded six goals in as many games. Two one on one efforts, a back post tap-in, a goalmouth scramble, an outside of the box strike and a glanced header have got the better of the 23-year-old so far in a Pools shirt.

Saves

Goalkeepers are judged on their ability to keep the ball out of the net. Clean sheets and save percentages are the key stats that help define a goalkeeper’s value.

In six games, Killip has kept two clean sheets and made a respectable 13 saves from 21 shots on target faced including a last-minute penalty save against Altrincham to rescue a point for Pools.

Ravas boasts a slightly better record in this respect with two clean sheets and 18 saves from 24 shots on target faced including seven stops during a man of the match display in the FA Cup first round defeat at Salford City.

The Slovakian has also shown good competency when it comes to claiming and punching crosses to alleviate the danger when Pools are under pressure.

Verdict

Both goalkeepers have been given equal opportunities so far this season and neither has really put a foot wrong.

After a shaky start to his Pools career, Killip has looked a lot more convincing this season and was just unfortunate to be on the receiving end of a hammering by Torquay while Ravas was breathing down his neck.

The Derby County loanee deserved his opportunity in the National League following strong FA Cup performances. While results haven’t quite turned around in Pools’ favour with Ravas in the side, the goalkeeper has continued to be a consistently impressive performer in between the sticks.

Dave Challinor has the luxury of having two strong goalkeepers competing for a starting place but the difficulty of trying to keep them both happy.

At the moment, Ravas gets the nod but it’s his place to lose as Killip waits for another chance.

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Hartlepool United coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor