Match Preview: Hartlepool United vs Southend United

Nicky Featherstone will manage his final home game as Pools boss, as Hartlepool host play-off destined Southend United on Tuesday night.

Both sides won their games at the weekend, but the Shrimper’s seven-game unbeaten run will make them confident in taking all three points from the Prestige Group Stadium, which would place them just one point behind Scunthorpe in fifth.

Featherstone’s side have slowly fallen further away from the play-offs as they’ve approached the final games of the season, but their win against Forest Green on Saturday will have lifted the mood around the Pools dressing room.

Kevin Maher will be looking to continue his side’ run of form, however, last time out, Pools managed to take a point home from the Roots Hall Stadium after a 1-1 draw in matchday five.

Pools will still be without Luke Charman, but will be bolstered by the return of Reiss McNally who started last Saturday and scored the second goal.

Southend United have also been boosted by the return of Harry Cardwell, who returned to the starting line-up against Halifax at the weekend, and marked his return with a goal in their 6-2 win.