Hartlepool United host Gateshead at The Prestige Group Stadium in a National League clash with plenty riding on it as the season nears its conclusion. With few points left to play for, the stakes are undeniably high for both clubs.
Hartlepool’s recent form suggests a side searching for consistency. They are currently on a two-match winless streak, but the Pools have found the net in their last eight games, demonstrating a reliable attacking threat. Gateshead arrive on the back of a defeat, which halted what they hoped would be a late-season resurgence. However, like their opponents, they have a decent scoring record, having scored in their previous four matches.
Head-to-head, the historical record indicates a closely contested rivalry. Across their three meetings in the last three seasons, Gateshead hold a marginal advantage with two wins to Hartlepool’s one. Their most recent encounter this season ended in a thrilling 4-3 victory for Gateshead. Last season saw honours even; Hartlepool secured a narrow 2-1 win at home, while Gateshead responded emphatically with a resounding 7-1 victory at their ground. These past goal-filled encounters suggest another potentially high-scoring affair could be on the cards.
In the league table, Gateshead currently occupy 7th place with 66 points, while Hartlepool sit in 11th position with 56 points.
The potential ramifications of this match are significant. For Gateshead, a victory would strengthen their playoff ambitions, providing valuable momentum to their campaign. A draw would keep them in contention, while a defeat could see them lose ground on their rivals. Hartlepool, meanwhile, will be keen to end their winless run and climb the table. A win would provide a welcome morale boost and a platform to build on, while a loss would further hamper their season’s progress. A draw would leave them in a state of stagnation, neither significantly improving nor worsening their current position.