WHEN Mick Wadsworth says today’s game at Southampton is a big one he means it, which is why the teenage stars of Friday’s draw with Tranmere Rovers have been left at home.
Although Dale Jennings’ late goal meant the Teessiders did not have as good a Friday as they hoped, with 55 points now banked Wadsworth could afford to look at the bigger picture.
Seventeen-year-old full-backs Josh Rowbotham and Darren Holden impressed in an experimental line-up. Goalkeeper Andy Rafferty was another debutant and fellow former Northern Leaguer Michael Mackay made his first start of the season.
None are likely to be in the XI to face Southampton as Wadsworth returns to a more hard-nosed approach.
Having enjoyed a brief spell as Southampton’s assistant manager in 2001, he needed no reminding of the task facing his men today in front of an expected crowd of around 30,000. Nigel Adkins men provided one anyway by winning at Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday to improve the chances of joining their neighbours in next season’s Championship.
“Southampton is a big one,” Wadsworth warned. “They have it all to play for – we have pride and need more points. It will be a fantastic atmosphere. It will be a tough one, but one we will enjoy. ”
The Saints lead Lee Clark’s Huddersfield Town, who entertain Dagenham and Redbridge today, on goal difference. They have four games left to Town’s three.
Hartlepool‘s only previous game at Southampton was last season’s 3-2 defeat.
Although Stockton-born Rowbotham and Gateshead’s Horden have not travelled, Wadsworth thinks both have bright futures at Victoria Park.
“I think physically and mentally they will be absolutely drained after Friday,” he explained. “Going to St Mary’s would be unfair to put that on their shoulders.
"Both Josh and Darren are 17-years-old, both were assured and didn't panic and brought something to the team. Right through my career, it's been a lovely thing to bring young players into the team.
“I'm learning all the time and seeing what players can bring to the side. The experienced players helped them and I was probably more nervous than them as I want them to do well. Bringing players through is a big thing at the club.''
Left-back Horden created Hartlepool’s goal on Friday for another youth product of a much earlier vintage, Antony Sweeney. Horden’s long throw was headed into Sweeney’s path by Sam Collins, Hartlepool’s most dangerous player in the air but the man normally detailed to launch the throws himself.
First-choice goalkeeper Scott Flinders returns, while Horwood and Steve Haslam bookend the back four. Player-coach Ritchie Humphreys could replace Mackay up front. Gary Liddle is set to come in for Paul Murray, who has a calf problem.
Neil Austin and James Brown are more likely to return from injury at home to Bournemouth on Saturday, where fans can expect to see Rowbotham and Horden.
Left-back Dan Harding could return for the Saints after groin trouble, but highly-rated winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and 16-goal striker Lee Barnard are unlikely to feature.
