Hartlepool United v Weymouth tickets go on sale as Dave Challinor discusses fan return

Hartlepool United’s impressive National League campaign will conclude this Saturday at home to Weymouth (12:30pm kick-off) in front of roughly 1,700 home supporters.

It will be the first time this season and the first time since March 2020 that Pools fans have been able to watch their side play a competitive game at The Vic.

Around 1,500 2020-21 season ticket holders will be attending the match with the remaining 200 season tickets going on priority sale to 2021-22 season ticket holders on Tuesday afternoon.

Hartlepool played in front of 1,050 fans at Sutton United on Sunday as the hosts ran out as 3-0 winners to claim the National League title on home rubber crumb.

And after witnessing the difference made by supporters, manager Dave Challinor has backed the returning Pools fans to make a big difference this weekend.

"I think it absolutely made a difference at Sutton,” Challinor told The Mail. "Regardless of what you say, home advantage hasn’t really been a thing this season and if you look at the stats, not having crowds in the grounds has made a difference.

"There have been more away wins than there has ever been so fans coming back now makes a difference. Human beings are involved in the game – both the players and officials.

"I’m sure the 1,700 who are in there at the weekend will have a huge impact on our team and our positivity and hopefully we give them something to scream about.

Challinor added with a reference to Luke Armstrong’s disallowed goal at Sutton: “Hopefully the referee makes a bigger howler than he did at Sutton and we’re on the right end of a decision as the home team.

"From our perspective, it’s an opportunity to say thank you to the fans, unfortunately there will only be 1,700 in there.

"I’m disappointed we’ve not been able to give them something to cheer about ahead of the game because I’m sure town would have been bouncing in the pubs had we won at Sutton.

"And I’m disappointed from our perspective that we’re not going into the game where our fate is in our control if you like in terms of finishing third.”

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