This is what Hartlepool United manager Dave Challinor had to say about his trip to Notts County against Woking last weekend

The match at Meadow Lane finished 1-1 in a result that keeps Pools within four points of Notts County and the final play-off place going into this weekend’s clash with the Magpies at Victoria Park.

And when discussing what he learned from observing one of his side’s big National League rivals, Challinor commented: “It was pretty cold!

“It was good though, we have people go out and watch games of our opponents throughout the season.

“I’ve watched back the Notts County game back on the video. You see a different view at a live game, you see all the off the ball stuff.”

The United manager also feels last weekend’s postponement at Damson Park has given him and his side more time to prepare for a big game back at The Vic as they look to continue their impressive home form.

“Straight away, rather than playing our own game and being focused on us on a Saturday before reflecting on Sunday, we’ve been given an extra 24-48 hours to prepare for this Saturday,” Challinor added.

“We can put things in place by seeing in the live game where we can potentially cause them problems.

“The game at Notts County wasn’t a great game, it survived the wind but it wasn’t a great day to play football and Notts County didn’t play well but Woking can do that to teams to be fair and are good at what they do.

“Woking should have won the game and will feel aggrieved that they didn’t come away with three points.

“From my perspective, there were loads of positives in terms of where we can cause them problems but we also need to be wary that they’re a threat themselves.

“It will be a tough game and it’s two big football clubs who ultimately want to get back to where they’ve spent most of their history.

“I’m expecting the atmosphere to be great but hopefully, the weather won’t spoil things for us again!”