Hartlepool United manager Dave Challinor discusses decision making and mistakes ahead of Ebbsfleet United clash

Four points from two away matches at Boreham Wood and Solihull Moors was an excellent return against two play-off rivals.

But in both games, there were several mistakes made by the Pools players – the majority of which went unpunished.

“Everyone is going to make mistakes and it’s where you make those mistakes which is important,” Challinor said.

“We recognise that people are going to make mistakes so we put ourselves in a position where we’ve got players who can help each other out which thankfully they did on Tuesday.

“It’s a tough one with the way we’re playing. We’re playing in an expansive way and there were little things on Tuesday where it’s a fine balance between playing and overplaying and sometimes you’ve just got to be a defender and if the ball needs booting out of the ground then that’s what you do.

“That comes down to decision making and I was far more pleased with our decision making on Tuesday compared with last Saturday.

“For me, that’s progress, in a high-pressure game against a team in and around us.”

Pools will be looking to continue their good run of form at home to relegation-threatened Ebbsfleet United on Saturday afternoon (3pm kick-off).

The reverse fixture between the teams at Stonebridge Road was Challinor’s first in the National League as Hartlepool manager. The 44-year-old witnessed his side throw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 against the Fleet who were reduced to 10-men with the score at 2-0 in the first half.

“We’ve had enough reminders over the course of the season when we’ve been in front and behind that the nature of football in this league is unpredictable and anything can happen,” added the Hartlepool boss.

“There will be no complacency from our perspective, it’s a different challenge for us that we’re really looking forward to.

“Hopefully, we can back up two great results away from home with another win at The Vic, move on from an excellent week and keep pushing forward.”