Hartlepool United boss Darren Sarll has warned Pools that they must improve ahead of the arrival of in-form Dagenham and Redbridge.
Hartlepool United boss Darren Sarll has cautioned his team that they must improve ahead of this weekend’s visit from in-form Dagenham & Redbridge.
Pools had their poorest performance of the season on Saturday, losing 1-0 to an Ebbsfleet squad that had lost all eight of their previous games.
There were some mitigating circumstances – the Fleet were boosted by the arrival of new manager Harry Watling, while Pools were unable to call on experienced frontman Gary Madine – but it was a decidedly disappointing afternoon for Sarll and his team, who were unable to build on their midweek victory over Boston.
Ebbsfleet were well worth the three points, although Pools barely threatened an equaliser despite ending with six strikers on the pitch.
Pools have had a mixed start to the season, sitting only one point outside the play-offs despite having already faced all four promoted sides, as well as Woking, Wealdstone, and Ebbsfleet, all of whom flirted with relegation last season.
Only two of their first nine opponents are now in the top half – Halifax in 10th and Yeovil in 12th – but things appear poised to get considerably more difficult for Sarll and his team as Pools prepare for two tough home games in four days.
Pools remain winless at the Prestige Group Stadium, with upcoming games against Dagenham and Redbridge this weekend and Rochdale on Tuesday.
Dagenham come into the game off the back of one of the most extraordinary National League performances in recent memory, knocking previously unbeaten leaders Gateshead off the top of the league in dramatic manner, defeating one of the championship fancies 7-1.
Of course, the scoreline alone will evoke negative memories for Poolies, who watched their team ship seven at the Heed in March.
Dagenham had a stumbling start to the season after being acquired by renowned US investors North Sixth Group in the summer, but the London club has since found its stride, winning their past two matches by an aggregate score of 10-1.
Rochdale, meanwhile, are fourth in the National League standings after a promising start under new manager Jim McNulty.
Rakish Bingham, a former Hartlepool frontman, scored the winning goal for Ebbsfleet at the weekend, so fans will be disappointed to learn that Josh Umerah, who spent the last two seasons with Pools, is set to return with Dagenham on Saturday, while Devante Rodney, who made his professional debut in the North East, leads the line for Rochdale.
Manager Darren Sarll is keen to make the most of a free week as Pools attempt to rebound from their setback at Ebbsfleet and win at home for the first time this season.
“The great thing about us is that we have a blueprint and, when you have a blueprint, you can always come back to it,” according to him.
“You may readdress the situation and ensure that those teachings are included back into your training sessions.
“The main point is to make it obvious that the performance (against Ebbsfleet) was unsatisfactory.
“It is not appropriate in this club, or any club, I believe.
“We’ll refocus our minds and make sure something like that doesn’t happen again.”
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