After a bright start to the new season John Askey’s side have hit a poor run of form with just two wins in their last 10 games.
It's a run of form which has seen them slide down the table with Pools now five points adrift of Aldershot Town in the final play-off place.
Askey will be hoping he can turn his side’s fortunes around when they return to action next weekend but just how many points will Hartlepool need if they are to reach that elusive seventh spot in the National League table?
Here we look at how many points have been needed to reach the play-offs in the National League since the introduction of two teams being promoted back in 2003 to gauge how many points Pools might need over the remainder of the season if they are to give themselves a shot at promotion back to the Football League.
. BRISTOL, ENGLAND - JUNE 20: Players of Hartlepool United celebrate with the Vanaram National League Trophy during the Vanarama National League Play-Off Final match between Hartlepool United and Torquay United at Ashton Gate on June 20, 2021 in Bristol, England. (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)
Hartlepool United know what it's like to earn promotion from the National League via the play-offs. (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images) Photo: Harry Trump
. 2003 - Dagenham & Redbridge - 72 points
Dagenham & Redbridge claimed the final play-off spot in 2003 - the first year of the league's reform to allow two promotion places. The Daggers were beaten in the play-off final by Doncaster Rovers. Photo: Shaun Botterill
. 2004 - Aldershot Town - 70 points
The Shots required 70 points to reach the play-offs before losing in the final against Shrewsbury Town. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) Photo: Clive Brunskill
. 2005 - Stevenage - 72 points
Former Sunderland goalkeeper Lionel Perez joined Stevenage's coaching staff as they claimed the final play-off spot in 2005. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images) Photo: Pete Norton
. 2006 - Morecambe - 74 points
Morecambe reached a total of 74 points to claim fifth spot - the highest total following the two promotion introduction. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images) Photo: Tony Marshall
. 2007 - Exeter City - 78 points
The Grecians claimed the final play-off spot with 78 points but were undone by Morecambe in the final. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images) Photo: Christopher Lee
. 2008 - Burton Albion - 81 points
Burton needed 81 points to reach the play-offs in 2008 where they lost in the semi-final. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images) Photo: Christopher Lee
. 2009 - Stevenage - 81 points
Stevenage made the play-offs with 81 points but were unable to achieve promotion. They did enjoy Wembley success in the FA Trophy, however. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images) Photo: Ian Walton
1. 2003 - Dagenham & Redbridge - 72 points
Dagenham & Redbridge claimed the final play-off spot in 2003 - the first year of the league's reform to allow two promotion places. The Daggers were beaten in the play-off final by Doncaster Rovers. Photo: Shaun Botterill
2. 2004 - Aldershot Town - 70 points
The Shots required 70 points to reach the play-offs before losing in the final against Shrewsbury Town. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) Photo: Clive Brunskill
3. 2005 - Stevenage - 72 points
Former Sunderland goalkeeper Lionel Perez joined Stevenage's coaching staff as they claimed the final play-off spot in 2005. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images) Photo: Pete Norton
4. 2006 - Morecambe - 74 points
Morecambe reached a total of 74 points to claim fifth spot - the highest total following the two promotion introduction. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images) Photo: Tony Marshall