Hartlepool vs York City – Post Match Report

March 9, 2024

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Hartlepool United 2-1 York City

Hartlepool United Vs York City

27th January 2024

National League

The Suit Direct Stadium 3pm Kick Off

Weather: Dry

Pitch: Good

Referee: J O’Connor

Hartlepool’s last 6 results

Hartlepool United Starting 11

4-2-3-1 Formation.

Dieseruvwe starts after 7 out with injury. New signings Waterfall & Khan make debuts. New signing Senior makes the bench. Manager Kevin Phillips taking charge for the first time today.

Overview

Strengths

Hartlepool are a very powerful and physical team.
They play long to Diesreuvwe whos hold up play is exceptional. He wins a lot of free kicks in dangerous areas.
They stick to their shape consistently and move well as a unit.
Defenders are strong and physical.
Defenders will win most balls in the air.
In Khan,Mancini,Cooke and Featherstone they have technically good players who are comfortable with the ball and can keep hold of it when under pressure.

Weaknesses

If they don’t have a focal point up front they struggle to play regularly through the 3rds.
Their final ball can be rushed and sloppy.
When being pressed they tend to be panic and play loose passes.
Predictable patterns of play,if its not long to the CF its out wide quickly to the pacy wingers.
Full backs like to get forward and can leave gaps in behind,this was prominent in the goal York scored.

Defending

Defending from the front

Hartlepool did not ask Dieseruvwe to press the ball,they were quite happy to allow York to have the ball at the back and stay in their shape,only on 2 occasions did the CF make any pressing attempt.
Wide players stayed in their positions and again did not press forwards at any point.

Defending in the middle third

Hartlepool quickly pressed York as a unit as soon as the ball was being played near to the half way line.
Wingers came inside and the full backs pressed forwards
Featherstone dropped deeper which allowed Crawford to press higher alongside Cooke.
Hartlepool were very aggressive and strong into tackles whenever possible.

Defending in the defensive 3rd

Hartlepool CBs were quick to engage with York forward players and very rarely allowed them to turn.
CBs very strong in the air and on the most part they dominated the aerial battles.
Wingers were quick to get back and defend allowing the back 4 to keep their shape.
Hartlepool were looking to play offside and caught York out numerous times holding their line well.
Goalkeeper is confident to come for crosses and will also come off his line to clear any danger.
Both full backs were good 1v1 and were able to reduce the amount of crosses into their box.

Build-Up

Build-up in the defensive 3rd

Goalkeeper went long from goal kicks all game
Goalkeeper was quick to throw the ball out and start counter attacks quickly when claiming the ball from crosses.
Defenders were happy to pass the ball round the back if there was no option to pass the ball forwards into midfield.
Full backs moved higher up the pitch and Featherstone dropped deeper to receive the ball
Looked to play the ball long to the wide players and also central to the CF

Build-up in the midfield 3rd

Hartlepool tried to move the ball quickly outside from central positions whenever possible.
Cooke liked to drop a little deeper into midfield to get on the ball and drive forwards.
The wide players stayed high and wide to the touchline and made good runs in behind the full backs.
Moving the ball quickly either by dribbling or by playing the ball long is key for any attacks Hartlepool make.

Build-up in the attacking 3rd

Dieseruvwe is the focal point of the attack. The ball is towards his feet or head and he has the ability to hold the ball up well and win dangerous free kicks.
Cooke makes good runs past the CF when he drops in deep and has the ability to pick the ball up,dribble and get a shot off from distance if possible.
Khan is very skillful and quick, he can use both feet to cross and can go either inside or outside the full back.
Crosses into the box are quick and consistently targeted at the space between the 6 yard line and penalty spot.
Hendrie can deliver a very dangerous ball.

Set Pieces Analysis

Hartlepool Defending Corners

4 players marking zonal on the 6 yard box. 2 CBs and CF man marking 3 players by the penalty spot.

Hartlepool Taking Corners

The ball was delivered with pace into the box. The 2 CBs and the CF gather together on the penalty spot before splitting when the ball is hit and making different runs. One of the CDM stands on the edge of the box and makes a near post run.

Hartlepool Attacking Free Kicks

They set up with 2 CBs at the back post and the CF and any 2 other players on the edge of the box. The ball is played towards the back post where the CB tries to win the header and play the ball back across the box.

Hartlepool Key Players

Centre Forward – Emmanuel Dieseruvwe

Strong in the air and has exceptional hold up play. Can bring in other players well. Wins a lot of free kicks and also a penalty in this game. If supply to him can be prevented then the way Hartlepool play is effected.

Attacking Midfielder – Callum Cooke

Doesn’t stop running and will cover every inch of the pitch. Likes to dribble with the ball and is effective doing so. Passing range is very good and has an eye for goal.

Defensive Midfielder – Nicky Featherstone

Captain of the side and leads by example. Organises the team well and isn’t scared of a tackle or physical battle. Calm on the ball and good passing range. Drives the team forwards when possible.