Rushden & Diamonds – Hartlepool, English Division 2
2004-04-24 16.00 CET
Pick: Hartlepool (Asian hcp 0:0)
Stake: 3%
Odds: 1,75
Final reason for bet
· Hartlepool has played very good football lately.
· Hartlepool has a fully fit squad.
· Rushden has been very bad lately.
· Apart of loosing some regulars five rounds ago, Rushden also have some injury concerns.
General comment about the game
For the second week in a row we recommend a bet on high flying Hartlepool. Last week they did more than we expected. They did not just win they played some fantastic football and won very convincing with 4-0 against relegation candidates Notts County. On Saturday they will play away against another relegation battler; Rushden & Diamonds. Since Hartlepool has played so well in the last couple of rounds we believe that they will travel home with another victory. They are at full strength since both midfielder Gavin Strachan (34(1) apps, 5 goals), who played 90 minutes for the reserves in midweek, and defender Michael Nelson (37 apps, 3 goals), who has recovered from his injury, are available and both are expected to be in the squad. Hartlepool is in a row of four straight victories and they also have four victories from their last five away games. This good run has put them in a nice position in the league, currently on sixth and last play off spot. They have five points more than seventh placed Port Vale with only three matches to go. So, a win on Saturday and with the chasing teams Port Vale and Luton not able to match that result Hartlepool will have secured their playoff dreams. We believe that they must win tomorrow, or at least get a point, to fulfil this since their upcoming two matches is against much tougher opponents; table toppers Plymouth at home and fourth placed Swindon away.
Rushden & Diamonds are in big problems. With three matches to go they are only one point clear of the drop zone. Since their form is not good it will most certainly be some nerve breaking weeks for the fans. In the beginning of March their manager left the club and was replaced by player Barry Hunter. Since then they have one win and one draw from eight games. Furthermore, their trouble became even worse two weeks after the manager swift since four first team regulars left the club on the final day of the transfer window; leading top scorer Onandi Lowe (24(2) apps, 15 goals), midfielder Paul Hall (28(5) apps, 2 goals) and defenders Michael Bignot (35 apps, 2 goals) and Paul Underwood (30 apps). Since then they have only managed too grab one point from five matches. Last game was away against fellow relegation battlers Grimsby. The hosts threw everything at their opponents in the first half, with shots raining in on the Rushden goal. The second half was less eventful until the final minutes when the hosts converted a penalty kick to finalise the score to 1-0. Rushden made a weak performance and the victory was well earned for the home team. During that game three Rushden players got knocks that has made them doubtful for the game against Hartlepool; midfielder David Bell (29(6) apps, 1 goal) and defenders Stuart Gray (30(2) apps, 5 goals) and Andrew Sambrook (13(6) apps). Striker Paul Kitson (16(9) apps, 5 goals) and midfielder Gary Mills (25(5) apps, 1 goal) has missed the last couple of games and both are doubtful also on Saturday.
Hartlepool is in fine form and has played very good lately. On Saturday they have the opportunity to seal their playoff dreams by beat struggling Rushden & Diamonds. Since this is Hartlepool’s easiest (on the paper) remaining game we believe that they will go by full strength for the three points. Rushden is a different team than earlier during the season since many good players have left and they also have other players out with injuries. Hartlepool is at full strength. However, since the game is very important for both teams we will be more careful than placing a straight bet on the visitors. An Asian handicap giving the stake back on a draw seems to be the best bet. Medium stake 3%.
Recent games for home team
|
2004-04-17 |
Grimsby-Rushden |
1-0 |
|
2004-04-12 |
Brighton-Rushden |
0-0 |
|
2004-04-10 |
Rushden-Barnsley |
2-3 |
|
2004-04-03 |
Stockport-Rushden |
2-1 |
|
2004-03-27 |
Rushden-Bournemouth |
0-3 |
Recent games for away team
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2004-04-17 |
Hartlepool-Notts County |
4-0 |
|
2004-04-12 |
Wrexham-Hartlepool |
1-2 |
|
2004-04-10 |
Hartlepool-Bournemouth |
2-1 |
|
2004-04-06 |
Hartlepool-Luton |
4-3 |
|
2004-04-03 |
Brighton-Hartlepool |
2-0 |
Home table
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Rushden |
21 |
9 |
5 |
7 |
37-30 |
32 |
Away table
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Hartlepool |
21 |
9 |
4 |
8 |
34-36 |
31 |
Links for this game
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Hartlepool: |
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// SportsObserver 040423
