Hartlepool United close in on striker deal as Dave Challinor plans changes after Boreham Wood defeat

Hartlepool boss Dave Challinor says he will make changes for Tuesday’s game against King’s Lynn after a 2-1 home defeat by Boreham Wood.
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Pools haven’t won at Victoria Park since the opening day of the season and fell 1-0 down in the 36th minute when former midfielder Gus Mafuta opened the scoring.

Challinor’s side equalised on the stroke of half-time when Mason Bloomfield scored his first goal of the season but an excellent strike from Mafuta gave the visitors all three points.

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“Obviously it’s disappointing,” said Challinor after the match. “Performance-wise we’ve done enough to win, or to not lose, but we’ve lost and that’s the fundamental part of it.

Hartlepool United manager, Dave Challinor.Hartlepool United manager, Dave Challinor.
Hartlepool United manager, Dave Challinor.

“There have been two many hard luck stories, what ifs and all them things. I can stand here and say we don’t deserve to lose but we have to turn performances into results.

“Something has to change, whether that’s me, whether that’s the personel, one thing for certain is the first port of call for us as a management team is to go, people have been looking for opportunities and we have to make changes.

“There will be changes for Tuesday night and that’s not knee jerk. Things need to change, we need to start getting results to keep ourselves in with a shout.”

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Pools saw a late penalty appeal turned down when substitute Joe Grey appeared to be brought down inside the box in stoppage-time.

When asked about the decision Challinor replied: “It’s hard where we are to see it. It looks like a foul but I’m saying that from 70 yards away.

“From where we are it looks like it was outside the box but I have no idea, that’s how far away we are but again it’s one of those what ifs.

“It didn’t happen, it wasn’t given and we didn’t get the opportunity to get something from the game.”

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Challinor also said he’s hopeful Pools can sign another forward on loan next week to help address the side’s goal-scoring struggles.

"The deal is agreed and fingers crossed that happens,” said Challinor when discussing the player.

"He’ll be in the building and is someone I believe will score goals for us.”

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