Here’s how Hartlepool United’s fixture run in compares with National League promotion and play-off rivals Sutton United, Torquay, Notts County, Stockport, Wrexham and Chesterfield

Sutton United – 1st

Points: 61

Remaining fixtures: 13

Boreham Wood (A), Solihull (A), Torquay (H), Altrincham (A), Eastleigh (A), Barnet (H), Aldershot (H), Notts County (A), Weymouth (H), Woking (H), Maidenhead (A), Pools (H), Barnet (A)

Verdict

Sutton sit comfortably at the top of the table with 13 games still to play.

The U’s are in excellent form and have rarely faltered over the course of the campaign meaning it would take an uncharacteristic collapse for them to be knocked off the top.

The South London outfit still have promotion rivals Torquay, Notts County and Hartlepool still to play as well as potentially tricky encounters at Boreham Wood, Altrincham, Eastleigh and Maidenhead, all of whom sit just below the play-off places.

But home and away ties against Barnet are effectively as close as a guaranteed six points as you’re likely to get in the National League this season with the Bees losing 20 of their 27 games played so far.

It’s Sutton’s to lose.

Hartlepool United – 2nd

Points: 57

Remaining fixtures: 10

Dag & Red (H), Boreham Wood (A), Notts County (H), Wealdstone (A), Weymouth (H), Chesterfield (H), Bromley (A), Maidenhead (H), Aldershot (A), Sutton (A)

Verdict

Pools have at least three fewer games remaining than any other side in the top seven and have the added uncertainty of being without a match on the final day of the season.

Dave Challinor’s side have the best record against the top seven sides of any team in the National League and are set to host Notts County and Chesterfield before a trip to Sutton for their final match of the season.

Playing Wealdstone, Weymouth and Aldershot Town, all of whom have little to play for this season with no threat of relegation, could be seen as favourable fixtures on paper – but this is Pools we’re talking about!

A lack of midweek matches could also work in their favour when it comes to keeping everyone fresh. They’re not as comfortable as their second placed position suggests, but you certainly wouldn’t write them off getting a top three finish.

Torquay United – 3rd

Points: 51

Remaining fixtures: 13

Woking (H), Wrexham (A), Weymouth (H), Sutton (A), Woking (A), Notts County (H), Aldershot (H), Eastleigh (H), Chesterfield (A), Bromley (H), Stockport (A), Barnet (H), Altrincham (A)

Verdict

One time runaway leaders Torquay are now left playing catch up heading into the final run of matches.

The Gulls are still yet to play Wrexham, Sutton, Notts County, Chesterfield and Stockport, which could work one of two ways.

It gives Gary Johnson’s side the chance to take points off several of their play-off rivals, but with Torquay currently in the worst form of any side in the top seven in 2021, it would require a big turnaround in order to rekindle their title challenge.

Certainly one of the toughest run-ins on paper.

Stockport County – 4th

Points: 48

Remaining fixtures: 13

Aldershot (A), Bromley (H), Wrexham (A), King's Lynn (H), Maidenhead (H), Boreham Wood (A), King's Lynn (A), Halifax (A), Wealdstone (H), Dag & Red (H), Torquay (A), Woking (H), Yeovil (A)

Verdict

The Hatters have been challenging at the top virtually all season and their run-in doesn’t look too bad as it stands with away trips to Wrexham and Torquay their only encounters with fellow top seven sides as it stands.

Two games against King’s Lynn as well as matches against Woking and Wealdstone all come as matches you’d expect County to win, but the National League often has a tendency to throw up some surprises.

Still, you’d expect them to be there or thereabouts come May 29.

Wrexham – 5th

Points: 47

Remaining fixtures: 13

Notts County (A), Torquay (H), Stockport (H), Halifax (A), Woking (A), Chesterfield (H), Solihull (H), Maidenhead (A), Yeovil (H), Boreham Wood (A), Notts County (H), King's Lynn (H), Dag & Red (A)

Verdict

Now that’s some run-in!

Wrexham’s next three matches could very well dictate their play-off credentials as they face the three teams next to them in the table.

They then travel to Halifax, host Chesterfield and face Notts County again in their final 10 games. There are very few fixtures where Wrexham will go in as clear favourites.

But their fine form could really help them when it comes to ending a 13 year stay in the fifth tier.

Notts County – 6th

Points: 46

Remaining fixtures: 15

Wrexham (H), Woking (A), Pools (A), Solihull (A), Eastleigh (H), Bromley (H), Torquay (A), Eastleigh (A), Altrincham (A), Sutton (H), Barnet (A), Maidenhead (A), Wrexham (A), Weymouth (H), Bromley (A)

Verdict

The Magpies have more games remaining than any other side in the top seven. Winning their games in hand would take them up to second in the table.

But an FA Trophy semi-final defeat to Hornchurch and a midweek loss at Aldershot since appointing a new manager threatens to scupper their momentum going into their final 15 games.

And with Wrexham (twice), Pools, Troquay and Sutton still left to play, it’s going to be a hectic final couple of months for Notts County.

Chesterfield – 7th

Points: 45

Remaining fixtures: 14

Eastleigh (A), King's Lynn (A), Boreham Wood (H), Bromley (H), Halifax (H), Wrexham (A), Bromley (A), Pools (A), Torquay (H), Woking (A), King's Lynn (H), Wealdstone (H), Dag & Red (H), Halifax (A)

Verdict

The Spireites have been in excellent form since changing manager and boast the best defensive record in the division.

With 42 points still to play for, you wouldn’t bet against them continuing their rise up the table and comfortably into the play-off positions.

Two matches against eighth placed Halifax could prove interesting – they also face Wrexham, Pools and Torquay.

Potential dark horses for promotion.

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