Tranmere vs. Hartlepool - 17th May 2005. Pre-Match Build Up

Last updated : 16 May 2005 By Matthew Jones
Here is the view of Hartlepool United Mad's editor, Mark Lowdon on tomorrow's game at Prenton Park. Below he has answered the five questions I asked him in black, with my Questions in blue.

1) Alot of Hartlepool fans on the Hartlepool
messages boards around the net think you are already through. Is this the case

Absolutely not. Pools still have a job to do - a big job. If Tranmere were to grab a goal, it would give them a real lift and with a team in the ascendancy, goals can be free-flowing. Pools must approach this game in the right frame of mind; complacency would be to our detriment. That said; I’m positive that Martin Scott will have drilled this message home.

2) So often, the team that finishes 6th in the League wins the play-offs.
Could this be you this time?

I really hope so. Pools were the outsiders to attain promotion via the play-offs, and we must acknowledge the merits of the other three competing teams. However, on our day, and with key players available, we feel as though we can give all three a game.

3) Should you go up, how do you think you''d do in the Championship.

That would depend on which players were brought in. Inevitably, Pools would be overwhelming relegation favourites but who knows - it's a funny old game!

4) Who are your key players to watch out for at
Prenton Park tomorrow
night?

I am sure you all saw what Adam Boyd is capable of but his regular strike partner Joel Porter, can be equally as important to the side. He has been sidelined with an injury of late, and a lack of match fitness was the reason he didn't start on Friday. Should he start tomorrow, he will keep the Tranmere defence on their toes.

However, if I was to pick the key player tomorrow, I would go with our 'keeper, Dimitrios Konstantopoulos.

5) Whats your prediction for the game.

2-1 to the home side.

So there you have it. A view from a Hartlepool on tomorrow nights huge game - lets hope Mark is wrong with his predicted scoreline atleast, as Rovers need to win by two clear goals tomorrow night to force extra time as Away Goals don't count.
I'd Like to say a big thanks to Mark for agreeing to do this interview with me and wish him and his side all the best in the future (After Tuesday nights game that is).