Hartlepool United switch focus to new signings and FA Cup match at Salford City following Barnet postponement

Pools were set to travel to Barnet on Tuesday evening for a rearranged tie after the originally scheduled match was called off due to a Bees player testing positive for coronavirus.

But following further coronavirus concerns and a recommendation from the National League, the match at The Hive has been postponed once again.

Due to league rules stating rearranged fixtures must take place within 40 days of the originally scheduled date of October 17, it is likely that the match will be rescheduled for November 24, though this is yet to be officially confirmed.

After Saturday’s result, Hartlepool manager Dave Challinor admitted he would have liked a fast turnaround of matches to give his side the chance to quickly right the wrongs of their weekend display.

But Tuesday night’s postponed game means attention is now focused elsewhere as an FA Cup first round tie at Salford City awaits.

“When you've lost the way we did on Saturday, I would always want to be playing another game of football as quickly as possible because the sooner you get it out of your system the better,” Challinor said.

"Now our next game is against a League Two team in the FA Cup. They’re a really strong team and, in terms of their squad, probably better than a League Two team.”

Pools go into the game in desperate need of reinforcements at the back are needed as they have just three fit defenders available in Ryan Johnson, Lewis Cass and David Ferguson.

Gary Liddle and Timi Odusina will miss the trip to the Peninsula Stadium (3pm kick-off) while Aaron Cunningham remains on loan at Blyth Spartans.

“What not having a game on Tuesday night does do, is it allows us to focus on bringing another player in,” Challinor added.

“We envisage making changes for Saturday’s game, we have the luxury of making changes in forward areas but can’t do that defensively so we’ll need to see where we’re at.

"The work starts straight away in terms of speaking to people and seeing what’s available because, as I keep saying, we need to get at least one body in if we can before Saturday.”

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