Halifax v Hartlepool

One last minute bet for your consideration this evening, down in the National League.

It’s always a bit dangerous to rely too much on team ratings early in the season, but in the case of Halifax versus Hartlepool we are prepared to make exceptions, with Halifax rated slightly better than their guests in our ratings ladder.

Halifax opened the season superbly on Saturday, smashing four past Ebbsfleet, including a sensational 70-yard free kick, and they will come into this one in fine spirits in front of their home fans on a lovely sunny Yorkshire evening.

Hartlepool are at the other end of the table – 22nd after the opening weekend – having lost 3-1 to Sutton, and despite making eight summer signings they already find themselves considering a shake-up of the starting XI after manager Craig Hignett was apparently disappointed with the direction and application of his side on Saturday. They come into tonight’s match with a host of injury doubts – Luke Molyneux, Josh Hawkes and Captain Ryan Donaldson are all likely to miss out, while Kenton Richardson limped off on Saturday and may not recover.

At 7/5 generally, Halifax look worth a bet tonight.

2.5pts Halifax to beat Hartlepool at 7/5 (General)

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