Hartlepool United manager Dave Challinor looking to 'right some wrongs' against National League leaders Torquay United

Pools suffered their heaviest ever National League defeat at home to the National League leaders on Halloween.

But a lot has changed since that 5-0 thrashing at Victoria Park as Pools have bounced back admirably to mount a serious promotion challenge alongside Torquay.

The Gulls once held a 14 point advantage over Pools in the table but a win for Challinor’s side this weekend would see the sides go level.

Reflecting on the previous meeting between the sides, the Hartlepool manager said: “You always feel like you owe them one.

“From our perspective, we’ve got to show that we’re better than what we were then. Things can happen and they were very good and we were bad for that game and those scorelines can happen.

"We’ve been a lot better defensively since then, we’ve got to right some wrongs but they’re top of the league and we’ve got to bridge the gap. So forget getting back at them, first and foremost we want to keep the squeeze on at the top.

"We’re playing well [away from home] and we’re not getting the results we deserve. It’s important when you’re on a good run and creating the opportunities we are then we have to take the chances.”

Torquay have led the National League since October 27 and were once 11 points clear at the top of the division.

But a dip in form for Gary Johnson’s side means they could potentially be knocked off top spot should second place Sutton United better their result. The U’s face Wrexham live on BT Sport on Saturday evening (5:20pm kick-off).

"Torquay have had a tough run which is probably the result of picking up injuries to key players which can affect every team,” Challinor added.

“They’ve lost their top scorer [Danny Wright] and it’s not easy to replace goals. They had a consistent team at the start of the season and that resulted in great form and continuity.

"They’ve had some disappointing results recently. We want to take advantage and make sure the trip is a fruitful one.”

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