By Albatross
October 21 2003

Hartlepool United were mauled at the weekend at Blackpool, and travel to Saltergate to take on Chesterfield knowing that a win is what's needed to get back on track. Chesterfield though will be no pushovers after finally breaking their league duck at the weekend. Chesterfield were most people's tip to struggle this season, and so far they've done little to change people's minds. Currently next to bottom, with just nine points, it's already shaping up into a hard season for the team from Saltergate.

Things didn't seem to have got off to a bad start at first; a 0-0 draw at Wrexham on the opening day, a penalty defeat to Burnley in the Carling Cup and a 1-1 draw at home to highly rated Bristol City were more than respectable results, and even the 3-3 draw with Wycombe and 1-1 with Plymouth didn't look too shabby. However, a terrible run of six consecutive defeats left them bottom of the pile and struggling. After steadying the ship slightly with a couple of draws, their first win of the season came in the LDV at home to Macclesfield last Tuesday and was followed by their first league win on Saturday - an emphatic 3-0 home win against Swindon.

11 goals scored and more than 20 conceded doesn't bode well though, and Roy McFarland has been searching high and low for players to bolster his squad. Paul Warhurst has just arrived on loan, but had to be content with a spot on the bench on Saturday; whether he will provide the same goal threat, or even where he will play having spent time as defender and midfielder as well as forward, is open to question. The most obvious goal threat though is likely to come from Marvin Robinson. Having been released from Derby, the 23 year old only signed for the Spireites towards the end of September but has made a big impact with five goals in just seven appearances - including a double against Swindon. Recently he's been partnered up front by Middlesbrough youngster Jamie Cade, who has scored twice. The Telegraph's report on their victory on Saturday compared them somewhat eccentrically to Puskas and Di Stefano, though something tells me tongue was firmly in cheek; nevertheless, Pools will have to be on their guard.

The experienced Carl Muggleton is the regualar keeper for Chesterfield, and he'll be hoping his defence can provide the same level of protection as on Saturday. Gus Uhlenbeek, Ian Evatt and Stephen Payne are likely to be important figures in that unit, while the midfield may include Chris Brandon, Charlton loanee Mark De Bolla and former Middlesbrough player Mark Hudson.

For Pools, after Saturday's performance any number of players could be sweating about their places. John Brackstone looks set to make his first start, but will he be part of a back four or a back five? Given the insipid nature of the Blackpool disaster, Cooper may well decide to tighten up the defence and ask Tinkler to drop back once more. In midfield, Darrell Clarke has been coming in for more criticism (with some reason), but it's difficult to see what the other alternatives are, expecially if Tinkler does drop back into defence. Sweeney? Boyd? Istead? Of those, Istead has possibly the best claim for a place - although he was dropped to the Youth Team at the weekend and is in their squad again for tonight's Youth Cup tie with Chester-le-street. Clarke though will have to start producing the goods on a consistent basis if he's to convince anyone he's worthy of a place.

Up front, where we initially looked like being a little short the opposite looks like being the case. Eifion Williams should have recovered from the bout of illness that kept him out on Saturday, while Paul Robinson is also apparently fit despite having to be substituted early on at Bloomfield Road; in addition to those two, Gabbiadini and Boyd, there is the returning Marcus Richardson. Marcus has been in good form for Lincoln during his loan spell, scoring five times and attracting rave reviews from Imps fans; they had been hoping to sign him permanently, or at least extend his loan. Fit and in form, Richardson looks set to play some part for Pools tonight, quite possibly from the bench. With Robinson looking out of form, Richardson's arrival may have come at just the right time.

On paper, Pools should have too much for the Spireites tonight; however, Chesterfield are showing signs of coming into form themselves as Pools lose theirs somewhat. Two weeks ago you'd have had this as a banker for Pools, and while I still think we can and will win, I expect it to be a much closer game than it might have been. I'll go for 2-1 to Pools, Eifion and the returning Marcus Richardson to hit the net.