MATCH PREVIEW | HARTLEPOOL V BARNET FC

After the midweek loss to the hands of Chesterfield, The Bees look to bounce back in style at Victoria Park , the home of Hartlepool United, in the 36th game week of the Vanarama National League.

So, what’s the Buzz?

The Bees look to secure victory and extend the gap between themselves and 4th place as they make the long, 265 mile trip to fight for another 3 points.

Club Profile

Club Name: Hartlepool United Nickname: The Pools Founded: 1908 Ground: Victoria Park Manager: Kevin Philips League Position: 10th Form: WDWWL

Opposition Report

Following a 4 match unbeaten run, our opponents are also looking to bounce back following a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Solihull Moors. Callum Cooke grabbed a last-ditch consolation goal for the Pools but it was too late for the side to get anything out of the game.

During the fixture, Barnet player Courtney Senior came off the bench in the 57th minute but has since returned to the Bees from his loan spell with The Pools.

One to Watch: Emmanuel Dieseruvwe

After scoring 19 goals so far this season, including 4 in their last 6, Dieseruvwe is definitely a key part in Hartlepool’s attack and has been in prolific form which has helped maintain Hartlepool’s play-off chase this season.

Dieseruvwe provides bags of experience at National League level. He is an aerial threat from set-pieces and dead ball opportunities and has played for a plethora of National League sides over the years including the Grimsby Town side that secured promotion in the 2021-2022 season. His time at Halifax Town last season saw him score 13 goals in 42 league appearances.

In the Dugout: Kevin Philips

The former Premier League striker enjoyed spells at various top tier clubs including West Brom, Watford and most famously Sunderland. Whilst at The Black Cats, he won the Premier League Golden Boot and the European Golden Shoe for the 1999-2000 Premier League Season.

Following a successful stint at South Shields whom he lead to promotion with two games to spare in the 2022-2023 season, he then left the club by mutual consent.

In January 2024 he was appointed manager of Hartlepool, beating York at home 2-1 on his managerial debut with The Pools.

Reverse Fixture – Barnet 3-2 Hartlepool – 05/08/2023

In the reverse fixture, The Bees came away with all three points in the opening game of the 2023-2024 season at The Hive Stadium.

A first half goal from debutant Adebola Oluwo gave Barnet the lead in the 22nd minute following a set piece taken by Dale Gorman and an ensuing goal line scramble, giving the Bees the lead at half time.

Shortly after the start of the second half, Barnet doubled their lead through Nicke Kabamba who got on the end of a Zak Brunt cross in the 54th minute. 11 minutes later Barnet made it 3-0 through a Danny Collinge header following a beautifully floated ball in by Harry Prichard.

The Bees where then stellar in their defence following a late Hartlepool fight back, where late goals from Jake Hastie and Josh Umerah gave The Pools a lifeline, however the Bees back line was solid enough to give Barnet their first win of the season.

Safe travels to all our supporters making the trip up to County Durham and hopefully the Bees come back with all 3 points.

Come On You Bees!