Hartlepool United v Eastleigh scout report: Dave Challinor's side will have to get past ex-Sunderland goalkeeper

Hartlepool United are back in action at The Vic tonight when Eastleigh visit.

Pools are looking to improve after a poor showing on New Year’s Day at home to Harrogate Town as well as a disappointing loss in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday against Oxford United.

The last meeting between the two sides ended in a stalemate with both sides having to settle with a 1-1 draw at the Silverlake Stadium.

Eastleigh are currently sat 15th in the league, only two places above Hartlepool in 17th.

Hartlepool would go above Eastleigh with a victory and could climb up to 13th place, however Eastleigh have a game in hand.

Last season Eastleigh finished seventh in the Vanarama National League and reached the play off semi-finals before being knocked out on penalties by eventual final winners Salford City.

In their previous match The Spitfires lost 3-1 away to Aldershot Town and have only won one of their last five league matches.

Eastleigh have a poor away record this season with six losses on their travels, winning four and drawing four.

The Spitfires have found goals hard to come by in the league this season with a negative three goal difference.

Experienced midfielder Danny Hollands is their top goalscorer with their skipper notching nine goals this season.

They also have a strong striking partnership up top with 34-year-old Tyrone Barnett and 33-year-old Scott Rendell, who have eight and six goals respectively.

Eastleigh have been hit hard with defensive injuries with Andrew Boyce having to leave the field last week against Aldershot, being replaced by Alex Wynter who has just returned from months out of the side.

Pools also have an injury concern after Kenton Richardson suffered an ankle injury during the 4-1 defeat to Oxford United in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Speaking after the weekend game Pools manager Dave Challinor said: “The most important thing is that this doesn’t knock our confidence or affect us going into the Eastleigh game."

Eastleigh signed 23-year-old Sunderland keeper Max Stryjek in the summer on a free transfer after impressing there last season, and has played every minute for The Spitfires this season.