Is time running out for Hartlepool United with 13 games to go? Dave Challinor assesses the situation

Going into the final 13 games of the campaign, Pools have more than enough time to turn things around and mount a play-off push.

Although the side have shown some signs of progress, they have struggled to put together a consistent run of results throughout the campaign meaning a fairly significant upturn in form is required over the remaining three months.

“The longer the the season goes, you end up running out of games,” Challinor said.

“We’ve been on a mini run but that’s over and we’ve got to start another proper run of results. The further the season progresses, the more important it becomes.

“You look and think would a point on Saturday have made a huge difference? You never know. There are things you look back on at the end of the season and there will be loads of what ifs but it doesn’t hide from the reality.

“What you can do is look forward and work hard next week and we’ll obviously have to make at least one change with the suspension to Gav [Holohan] so straight away for one of the lads who hasn’t been involved there’s an opportunity here.

“It’s an opportunity for one of them to go and take so I know it will be bright and positive going into next week so hopefully we can go and give our home fans something to shout about.”

Challinor has also had the past few weeks free on the training pitch in preparation building up to the weekend fixtures.

And the Pools boss feels spending more focused time with his side is paying off.

“I’m loving these full weeks on the training pitch,” Challinor continued.

“With the group we’ve got, I haven’t had the opportunity to really work with them until these past couple of weeks.

“Hopefully it’s a fun and enjoyable experience for them and we gain something from it so that the lads build on things come Saturday.”