Match preview for Southend United's game against Hartlepool United on Saturday in Sky Bet League Two
The Lowdown
It's been a troublesome start for Hartlepool, who have already gone through one manager already this season, when Colin Cooper opted to depart the club following their poor start to the season.
Losing the first three games of the season didn't help Pools but they did get up and running in the division with a good 2-1 victory away at AFC Wimbledon. However, this was followed up with defeat at Cheltenham a week later.
Another victory came against Shrewsbury Town before the County Durham-based side failed to register a win in five Sky Bet League Two games prior to beating Exeter City at St James Park in mid-October.
Pools have suffered defeat in their last two games in the league, against Accrington Stanley and Cambridge United.
Paul Murray took over from Cooper last month.
The Officials
Referee: Patrick Miller
Assistant Referees: Robert Hyde and Colin Lymer
Fourth Official: Christopher Pollard
The Inside View
Dave Penney: “They may be bottom of the table but if they’re up for it and give everything it could be a tough game. They have a change of manager which means a change of emphasis as well.”
Paul Murray: “It’s all about mindset. They will look at us and think about us coming all that way, feeling tired. But I see it, if I was playing, would be look to put in 90 minutes of absolute graft.”
The Previous Five Meetings
March 2009: Southend United 3-2 Hartlepool United
December 2009: Southend United 3-2 Hartlepool United
March 2010: Hartlepool United 3-0 Southend United
August 2013: Hartlepool United 0-1 Southend united
February 2014: Southend United 1-1 Hartlepool United
The Overall Record
Southend United wins: 23
Draws: 10
Hartlepool United wins: 13
The Tickets
Click here for ticket information ahead of Saturday’s game.
The Game
Keep up-to-date with the game on Twitter and Facebook. Follow @SUFCRootsHall for full updates on Twitter, while there’ll be key moment updates on our Facebook page: SouthendUnitedFC.
The Commentary
Listen to exclusive commentary of Saturday’s game on Blues Player with BBC Essex. To sign up, or listen, click here.
COME ON YOU BLUES!
