Fixture: Barnet v Hartlepool United

Competition: The Vanarama National League

Kick-Off: 3:00 pm

Date: 1st February 2020

Venue: The Hive London

 

The Bees

Manager: Darren Currie

Form: WWDDD

Top scorer: Simeon Akinola (14 goals)

League position: 13th (43 points)

Darren Currie’s Bee’s head into another home match in fine form and know that win could see them move above the Pools in the table. The Bees were handed a boost yesterday afternoon, as the bolstered their attacking options with the loan signing of Paul McCallum.

Last time out in the league, the Bees recorded a statement victory away at high flying Bromley. Simeon Akinola and Josh Walker goals wrapped up three crucial points as the play-off charge continues. 

 

The Pools 

Manager: Dave Challinor 

Form: WDDWL

Top scorer: Gime Toure (11 league goals)

League position: 11th (44 points) 

The Pools sit just one point above the Bees in the table, albeit Darren Currie’s side have three games in hand on today’s visitors. Challinor’s side are unbeaten in the league since January 1st, the only side to beat the Pools since then are Oxford United in the FA Cup. 

Last time the two sides met it was the Pools who came out on top as two goals from departed striker Nicke Kambamba secured the points. The Pools are like many teams in the Vanarama National League who will be targetting a play-off spot, so it’s set to be an interesting affair when the teams take to the field this afternoon. 

One to watch: Gime Toure 

Since the departure of striker Nicke Kambamba, the Pools now look to Toure to provide them with the goals to push them up towards the play-off places. The powerful centre forward is today’s visitor’s top scorer and certainly can be a handful for defenders. 

The centre forward joined in the summer of 2019 from fellow National League side Sutton where he scored on four occasions. Toure knows the league well and has also featured for AFC Fylde and Macclesfield. 

 

What Currie said:

 

Where to follow the action:

If you can’t make it to The Hive London, then join Sam Avery and Will Evans for full match commentary. Alternatively, there will be full match updates over on our Twitter account, where you will also find all the post match reaction.