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 Hartlepool - Portsmouth 

Tip:1

Odd: 1.85 

Ft : ??

Hartlepool managed to pull out important point out of Swindon last weekend, as they visited one of the strongest teams in League One just few days earlier. Swindon manage to take the early lead in fifteenth minute and everything looked like they are heading for another victory. However, they kept missing chance after chance, while the visitors never gave up and scored in 74th minute for the final 1:1.
It was third consecutive match as Hartlepool stayed undefeated, this time away from home in one of the toughest places to play at. It was important point, after they have won over Portsmouth and Notts County getting two victories in a row after a long time. Atmosphere in the club is improved and looking for the better, while the team will have to work out much more if they are to be saved from relegation this season. Team is still at the rock bottom and have twelve points less than safely placed teams, but a game in hand and, if they are to make wonders this Spring, this game is the one they must start winning from.
Important striker Howard (26/3) and midfielder Sweeney (27/2) are both still missing, while the team actually has no fresh nor suspension worries.

Portsmouth, on the other hand, is coming from yet another defeat, this time against Bournemouth 2:0 away from home. It was rather expected loss, as they faced up against one of the strongest home teams, earning their ninth loss in a row. Although they stood well on the pitch during the first halftime, from the moment Bournemouth opened the scoreline, guests completely collapsed once again showing no morale whatsoever.
As said, it was ninth defeat in the row for them, but also 19th consecutive match in a row without a victory. The coach has said in interview that he was pleased with the effort from his players at most of the match, while it’s obvious that even he knows that it will be really hard to stay away from relegation this season. Veteran striker David Connolly (5 matches) is fresh injury for the club, while Sutherland is the newest name that left the club in last months.
Relegating derby is in front of us, but it’s obvious that the hosts are in much better shape. Portsmouth have been falling apart lately, while the home side has been undefeated in last three matches, getting two victories and the optimism that they can survive is a bit stronger now. Bottom line, Hartlepool have won against them just two weeks ago and there is no reason not to repeat the success as the visitors are only worse as the season progresses.