Neil Austin - comeback

By Charlie Summerbell
September 8 2010

The results are inconsistent, but the general opinions appears to be that the overall form and the potential are both better than last season for Hartlepool United. So it's time for the team to deliver the goods and prove it ... beating Exeter at Victoria Park at the weekend would be a start.

This is the sort of home fixture teams MUST win if they are to survive in League One.
Drawing at home to Swindon isn't a bad result against a side that reached the play-offs last season, and the hammering at home to Sheffield Wednesday was just one of those days against a class side surely destined to go back up this season, provided they don't go bust first.
Exeter, promoted last season, haven't had a bad start to the season and, like Pools, have five points from their opening games.
Pools were unlucky last weekend at MK Dons, where a late rally produces enough chances to earn at least a point and a stonewall penalty that was turned down after Tony Sweeney was sent crashing deep on the home area.
It was typical of the sort of luck Pools have suffered on their travels season after season, but they have to rise above the temptation to dwell on hard luck stories and go for the positive performance and result they badly need on Saturday.
Caretaker manager Mick Wadsworth says he's convinced Pools won't suffer the sort of nervous season they've had in the last two years, but they need to provide him right as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, with a game for the reserves under his belt this week, full-back Neil Austin is getting back to fitness, though the Exeter game might be a little early for him. He could be on the bench.
The Johnstone's Paints Trophy tie at home to Bradford City will be played on Tuesday October 5, with a 7pm kick-off and reduced prices in an effort to attract a bigger gate.