THIS is going to be one of the games of the season. Hartlepool United have been in outstanding form in recent months and have barged their way into the top six.

They have some good players, an excellent manager with plenty of experience and have been able to strengthen their playing staff recently to give them an extra push.

At the moment they are looking like being everyones biggest rival in the promotion race, but we have done very well against the top teams so far this season and I hope that this will continue.

Maybe we go into the game as underdogs for the first time this season, but as the League table suggests, we have proven to be very difficult to beat and will be well prepared.

Last weekend's performance against Rochdale wasn't the type of display that we want, but the thing about our players is that they never give up. We may not have moved the ball around very well on the day, but we stuck to our task and ended up picking up what could prove to be a very important point.

The fans also stayed with us until the end and that is something we are going to need for the remainder of the season. I would like to take the opportunity to thank in advance those of you who will be making the long trip up to the north-east. We look forward to receiving your full backing and hopefully we will bring home some points reward.

RICHARD MONEY