Trouble on cards for Hartlepool when Fylde come to town

Kick-offs 3pm Saturday

Hartlepool have had a nightmare start to life in the National League – taking two points from a possible 15 – and look to be heading for another defeat when they host AFC Fylde at Victoria Park.

Fylde have four draws and a defeat to show for their first five games in the National League but should be in a much stronger position.

They have failed to hold on to leads in four of their matches and have a bad habit of conceding late goals.

The Coasters conceded in the 89th minute of a 3-3 draw at Ebbsfleet and were pegged back in injury-time last Saturday – drawing 2-2 at home to Dagenham and Redbridge.

Those dropped points would have been tough to take but Fylde have played well enough to suggest they can be a force in the division.

The outlook doesn't look so rosy for Hartlepool, who are third-bottom and have parted company with star striker Padraig Amond, who sealed a £40,000 move to Newport earlier this week.

Pools are already short of goals – notching just three in five games – and their slow start may continue.

Promoted Ebbsfleet have one win and four draws after five games but may taste defeat at home to Gateshead.

The Heed are two points better off than their hosts and look value to get their fourth win of the season.

Recommendations
AFC Fylde
1pt 12-5 Betfair
Bet on this match at Soccerbase.com

Gateshead
1pt 5-2 bet365
Bet on this match at Soccerbase.com