Preview: Exeter City vs Hartlepool United

City recorded their first away win since the 2-1 win at Salford at the end of October, in doing so also recording their third straight clean sheet in the league, but it came at a price as new loanee Offrande Zanzala limped off early on in the 2-0 win at Walsall with a knee injury. With Sam Nombe still out and backups Ben Seymour and Sonny Cox shipped out on loan, Matt Taylor’s striking options are limited. Padraig Amond is expected to start but there is little beyond him aside from pushing Jevani Brown or Matt Jay further forward. Elsewhere there’s better news, as Nigel Atangana was fit enough for the bench at Walsall while Jack Sparkes also made the bench following his Covid absence.

On their welcome return to the league, Hartlepool made a strong start, particularly at home. However, they suffered a blow when Dave Challinor upped sticks to take charge at Stockport, with their league form suffering as a result – just one win in the league since late October. It’s the opposite story in the cups, though, with Pools defeating higher level opposition in Wycombe, Lincoln and Blackpool to set up an FA Cup fourth round tie at Premier League Crystal Palace next week, while they are also into the latter stages of the EFL Trophy following a penalty shoot out win over Charlton on Tuesday night. Goals have been a problem in the league, with joint top scorers Mark Cullen and Nicky Featherstone (who scored a stunning equaliser in last week’s draw with Stevenage) on four league goals apiece.

The reverse fixture finished 1-1 – Molyneux gave the hosts the lead before Nombe equalised. While the 16/17 season ended in relegation for Hartlepool, they upset the odds in beating City home and away – taking advantage of City’s wretched home form in the first half of that season by winning 2-1 at the Park. McAlinden gave City the lead before two goals in two minutes from Woods and Paynter secured the win. City do, however, enjoy the league head to head lead with 34 wins to Pools’ 26, 23 matches finishing level.

The match officials for the match will be:-

Referee: Tom Reeves
Assistant Referees: Simon Shaw and Marvyn Amphlett
Fourth Official : Mark Derrien

Tom Reeves has taken charge of two Exeter games, details at https://www.grecians.co.uk/wordpress/?s=tom+reeves