Hartlepool United manager Dave Challinor praises 'understated' midfielder Nicky Featherstone ahead of Chesterfield clash

Dave Challinor on the touchline during the FA Cup match between Yeovil Town and Hartlepool United at Huish Park, Yeovil on Tuesday 12th November 2019. (Credit: Gareth Williams)

Like Antony Sweeney and Craig Hignett before him, Challinor picked out Featherstone as one of Pools’ key players following Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Boreham Wood at Victoria Park.

At 2-0 down, the midfielder got the hosts back into the game with a fine strike from outside the box with 20-minutes to play as United went on to snatch a point following Gime Toure’s late penalty.

The 31-year-old, who is closing in on 250 appearances in a Hartlepool shirt, was in and out of the first 11 at the start of the season but has since started in the last nine consecutive matches despite the fierce competition in the middle of the park.

Nicky Featherstone of Hartlepool United celebrates after scoring their first goal during the Vanarama National League match between Hartlepool United and Boreham Wood at Victoria Park, Hartlepool on Saturday 23rd November 2019. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)

“I think Feaths has taken a bit of stick from the fans over his time here,” Challinor said.

“I think that’s probably done him the world of good because he’s one of those characters where if he makes a mistake he just moves on and we need more players like that.

“If people are getting disappointed then it’s water off the duck’s back because that the mentality you need to be able to perform in an environment where there is expectation.

“I think he does an understated job in the side but he’s been involved key moments and popped up to get a goal that gets us back in the game on Saturday but also got the crowd going too which was massively important.”