Hartlepool United-Worthing: Pools face crucial test at Victoria Park

Hartlepool United go into this double against sides newly-promoted from National League North and South outside the drop zone, but only just.

Saturday’s match against Hornchurch at Victoria Park is followed by a visit to Fylde on Tuesday evening.

Four points out of six should keep them clear of the bottom four but dare we dream of six?

That could get Pools somewhere nearer to mid-table security and allow them to look up, rather than over their shoulders. There is hope.

Ninth-placed Hornchurch have lost their last four National League away days without scoring a goal, but while their form on the road is dire they will relish a first visit to the Vic.

Managed by well-known National League figure Daryl McMahon, previously of Ebbsfleet and Dagenham & Redbridge, the Essex club came up via the play-offs.

Ordinarily you would suggest Saturday should be a home banker, but Pools’ first XI have lost five in a row on their own patch.

But if Pools are to stay in the division, this is the sort of fixture they need to be winning.

Tuesday’s visit to Mill Farm marks the end of the opening third of the National League programme.

Pools do not want to be emerging from a trip to Lancashire with only 12 points from the first 15 games – those are the sort of numbers which result in relegation.

While Hornchurch are iffy on their travels, Fylde’s Achilles heel is their home form.

Promoted as NLN champions the Coasters have only scored nine times on their own turf and have a record of two wins, two draws and two defeats.

Boss Pete Will will hope to have two of the men who started the thrilling 4-2 win at Forest Green Rovers back this Saturday.

Luke Charman missed the FA Cup exit by Marine after falling ill at the end of last week, while new signing Jack Earing was ruled out with a foot problem which continues to make him very doubtful, for Saturday at least.

Fellow new signing Sam Lavelle looks set to make his first league start for Pools against the Essex outfit, having made his debut in the FA Cup defeat.

The 30-year-old no-nonsense centre-back became Wild’s third acquisition last week after arriving from Grimsby on a month’s loan. “He’ll provide us with leadership and experience in the backline,” said the boss.