Hartlepool United manager expecting "a totally different challenge" as Pools prepare to entertain Scunthorpe United
Hartlepool United manager Nicky Featherstone is anticipating “a totally different challenge" as Pools prepare to entertain Scunthorpe United on Boxing Day.
Having missed out on the chance to climb into the National League play-off places for the first time since September following Sunday's goalless draw with strugglers Braintree, Pools now turn their attention to the visit of Scunthorpe, one of their direct rivals for a coveted top seven spot, on Boxing Day.
After winning promotion from the National League North via the play-offs last term, the Iron have been enjoying a remarkable season so far and will make the trip to Victoria Park in sixth, nine points clear of Pools and with a game in hand.
Yet if Pools are serious about mounting a genuine play-off challenge, then there is a sense that only seventh-placed Southend or Scunthorpe are the sides they can realistically hope to reel in. Given the considerable gap between Pools and Scunthorpe, Featherstone's side will likely need to take all three points on Boxing Day.
To give themselves any chance of finishing in the top seven, Pools simply have to improve their home form. Featherstone's side have won just four of their 12 National League games at Victoria Park so far this term, and the new Pools boss will be desperately hoping his side can start to improve on their underwhelming home record on Boxing Day.
"Every game's different, Scunthorpe will be a totally different challenge," Featherstone told the official Pools club website.
"It will be totally different in terms of how Scunthorpe play compared to how Braintree play. We've done our homework on them, we've watched them, I'll watch them again and we'll come up with a plan to try and get a win.
"For us now, we have to start winning home games and changing that home form."
Your next Hartlepool United read: Pools player ratings following Braintree stalemate