Dave Challinor on the data that shows new loan signings made a BIG difference for Hartlepool United in Stockport County win

Although Challinor has favoured a back four for the majority of his spell in charge at Pools, that hasn’t stopped him prompting his full-backs to get forward and attack.

United signed Macauley Southam-Hales and Timi Odusina ahead of Saturday’s 2-0 win over Stockport County.

The pair played the full 90 minutes to help Hartlepool keep their first clean sheet of 2020, ending a run of eight matches without a shutout.

The decision to start two young loan signings in defence could have been seen as a risk by the Pools boss, but it’s one that certainly paid off come full-time.

“There’s always going to be some risk,” Challinor admitted.

“There’s a risk with taking lads on loan but the two we’ve brought in and the rest we’ve brought in have been really, really good.

“Recruitment-wise it’s a box ticked.

“It’s always a risk bringing people in at the back because people take time to know each other’s games and I think that will only do them the world of good to be able to move forward knowing that a new back four that has been put together in a few days has got a clean sheet and the full-backs especially were a massive threat.”

Full-backs Southam-Hales and Mark Kitching are two players Challinor feels can play a crucial role in the side moving forward.

And Odusina’s introduction at centre-back will also play a role in their effectiveness.

“Timi isn’t your typical centre-half in this division but he’s really quick and allows us to defend high up,” added the Hartlepool manager.

“Because of that you’ll the the best out of Kitch for example because he won’t have to be as defensive minded because of Timi’s athleticism and pace.

“As a result, the data has shown us that our full-backs covered the most distance on Saturday and did the most high intensity running during the game.

“That’s what I want to see because that’s their game and it allows them to be as effective as possible in matches.”