Hartlepool United boss Simon Grayson is hoping to “exploit” Carlisle United’s sudden loss of form.
Pools visit Brunton Park tonight aiming to make it three defeats on the spin for Mark Hughes’ Blues.
The Cumbrians are looking to respond after consecutive losses to York City and Rochdale.
Hartlepool head to Cumbria having won four, drawn six and lost two in a solid start to the campaign.
Grayson’s team also boast the National League’s best defensive record having conceded just five goals in their 12 games so far, although their goalscoring tally of 11 is the joint second lowest in the division.
They drew 1-1 at home against Tamworth last time out after a 1-0 win at Gateshead last Tuesday.
“Four points in a week isn’t too bad, of course we would have liked six, but it’s a week now where the games take care of themselves [in terms of] being up for it at Carlisle, where there’ll be a decent crowd, against a real strong team,” said Grayson.
“They’ve lost two on the bounce now so let’s maybe try and exploit that.
“Then York come here next Saturday and it will be a cracking atmosphere all round.”
Grayson has three former Carlisle United men in his ranks as he brings the Monkey Hangers to Brunton Park.
His assistant is the ex-Blues manager Neil McDonald, who linked up with Pools this summer.
Former United defender Tom Parkes is Pools’ club captain, while ex-Blues loan forward Adam Campbell is also in their squad.
Grayson is calling on his side to build on their steady start to the campaign and establish themselves as promotion contenders.
“I’ve said all along that our team and squad will get better and stronger as it goes on, because it has been a big turnaround of players,” he added in a club interview.
“We still know we’ve got things to work on and areas we can be better in, and ultimately we’re on a decent run we need to go to another level if we’re going go sustain that top five, six, seven places where we want to be.”
Frontman Alex Reid is set to miss out tonight with a hamstring injury. Experienced frontman Vadaine Oliver, who joined Pools in early September, is among their attacking threats.
FLASH SALE: Get unlimited access to our in-depth Carlisle United coverage by subscribing to the News & Star for £5 for 5 months - click HERE
Share