By Albatross
October 21 2005

The Franchise are in town, and Hartlepool United have another opportunity to try and get that first home league win on 2005/6. Can Pools at long last collect all three points on their own turf? It'll be not before time if we do... I've always been up front with my views on the team formerly known as Wimbledon: I think it's a disgrace that they were allowed to move to Milton Keynes, and they are possibly the only club in existence that I would happily see go to the wall. Unfortunately they have survived so far, although the attendance levels at the National Hockey Stadium are hardly at the "Frenzy" level that was apparently such a powerful argument in their case, and so we have to play them once again.

After surviving by the skin of their teeth last season, my pre-season prediction was that they'd stay up slightly more comfortably this season. That looked a little optimistic when they went without a win for their first ten league games, but back to back wins over Scunthorpe and Swindon have helped a little on that front - although there's still every chance that they may be involved in a relegation struggle.

Goals scored has been the problem, with barely over a goal a game for the Frannies. Initially Izale McLeod - who was sent off along with Tony Sweeney in our first ever meeting last season - started off looking on fire, with three goals in the opening two games - but then they dried up, and since returning from a dislocated shoulder suffered in the Carling Cup he has only netted once. Clive Platt - who seems to have lost his way somewhat since being a regular pain to play against at Rochdale - has scored three but no-one is looking prolific. Their defence has been OK, and that means things aren't quite as bad as they could be.

Their away form is, to be frank, pretty awful. No win in six attempts so far, and ten goals conceded. Look at Pools home form, and you can't help thinking that something's got to give...

The team news for MK Dons is that Paul Mitchell will be suspended after being sent off for two yellow cards last week, while Platt is also likely to be missing, leaving Danny Wilson - due to face an FA Charge after expressing his disappointment too vocally to the officials last weekend - with a bit of a headache. The chances are that Aaron Wilbraham will partner McLeod. Meanwhile, Pools have problems at the back with Nelson and Clark both suspended - Clark in part no doubt due to Scunny running out of film before his harsh sending-off in midweek. With Carl Jones also out, it looks most likely to me that Darren Williams will move across to partner Collins, with Darren Craddock continuing at Right Back. Up front, Daly should return although at whose expese remains to be seen - hopefully we will revert to a more attacking 4-4-2 at home.

So can Pools get their first home win of the League Season? It's tempting to say that if we can't beat MK Franchise then who can we beat, but the Frannies aren't quite as bad as that. However I think we will get that first victory, 2-0 with Daly and Sweeney scoring the goals.