The Recreation Ground’s EBB Stadium is the venue for a fascinating National League fixture, as Aldershot Town welcome Hartlepool United. Both teams are desperate for a win to kick-start their seasons, adding considerable spice to this encounter.
Aldershot’s recent form has been inconsistent, typified by a four-match winless run and a blank sheet in their most recent game. Hartlepool arrive with similar woes, having also failed to secure a victory in their last five matches and struggling to find the net in their previous two outings.
Historical clashes between these two clubs have been closely fought. Over the previous three seasons, they have met on four occasions, with Aldershot and Hartlepool each claiming two victories. Last season saw Hartlepool secure a 2-0 home victory, thanks to an Emmanuel Dieseruvwe brace, while Aldershot edged a five-goal thriller on their own patch, winning 3-2 in a match that featured an own goal and a late winner from Josh Barrett. Emmanuel Dieseruvwe was also on the scoresheet in this match.
In the league standings, Hartlepool currently occupy 8th position with 14 points, having played nine games, winning three, drawing five and losing one. Their defensive record has been particularly impressive, having conceded a mere three goals. Aldershot, meanwhile, find themselves lower down the table in 16th place. They have accumulated nine points from their nine games, with two wins, three draws, and four losses. Their goal difference is a positive three, having scored 22 goals but conceded 19.
A victory for Aldershot would provide a significant morale boost and lift them up the standings, potentially alleviating some of the pressure that comes with their winless streak. For Hartlepool, a win would consolidate their position in the top half and provide momentum in their push for a playoff berth. A draw would do little to ease either side’s concerns, extending their respective winless runs and leaving both to rue missed opportunities.