Hartlepool United manager Dave Challinor glad to see end of ‘relentless schedule’ as promotion push continues heading into Stockport County

The 1-0 win at Dagenham & Redbridge rounded off a gruelling six consecutive weeks of midweek away matches in the National League.

Now Pools can look ahead to their remaining 11 National League matches knowing that all their remaining matches will be taking place either on a Saturday or over a Bank Holiday weekend.

And with all of Hartlepool’s play-off opponents having at least two games in hand, their schedules are set to get busier just as Pools’ calms down going into the final run of matches.

“No other team has had the schedule we’ve had over the last six, seven weeks playing Saturday, Tuesday so relentlessly,” manager Dave Challinor told The Mail.

“Especially with the midweek games all being away and given where we are in the country and having to travel four and a half hours to King’s Lynn and five hours to Dagenham on the day.

“It’s been tough but it’s testament to the players that we’ve been able to continue picking up results and keep our run going. I can’t wait for us to get back to Saturday, Saturday’s now!”

Despite having a more relaxed schedule, things won’t get any easier for Pools as they make the journey to fourth place Stockport County this Saturday (3pm kick-off).

The Hatters currently sit six points behind second placed Pools in the table but are likely to lose three points if and when Dover Athletic’s results get expunged as a result of them ending their season prematurely.

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