Hartlepool hold a special place in U’s memory, with manager Matt Gray’s first game in charge a 3-1 win in the North East in August 2019, and Hartlepool also providing the opposition as U’s clinched promotion to the Football League in 2021. Hartlepool followed U’s up through the playoffs, and finished their first season back at this level in 17th place. This season they have struggled towards the foot of the table, with manager Paul Hartley leaving the club after their 2-0 defeat at Sutton in September. The experienced Keith Curle has taken over and they go in to Saturday’s game a point above the relegation zone, having secured a crucial double over rivals at the foot of the table Rochdale in December and January. They were one of the busiest League Two clubs in the January transfer window, eleven new arrivals including experienced midfielders Matty Dolan from Newport and Brendon Kiernan from Walsall, although he spent the first half of the season at Grimsby and played against U’s at Blundell Park in August.

Sutton have one league defeat in the last eight games and are two points outside the play-off area. Louis John missed last week’s draw against Stevenage and U’s will make a late call on his fitness for the weekend. Manager Matt Gray, whose prematch interview can be found here, is likely to be forced in to one more change due to injury.

One of the EFL’s most experienced officials will be in charge, with Andy Haines having been on the referees’ list since 2007 although this is the first time he has taken charge of a Sutton game.

Before the game a minute’s silence will be held in honour of those killed in this week’s earthquake in Turkey and Syria, and any supporters wishing to donate to the DEC appeal can click on the any of the boxes on our home page.

Tickets for the game will be on sale on line until 10am on Saturday morning on this link. Choose the away supporter option to buy tickets for the Simpson Millar Stand. Prices are £20 for adults, £14 for concessions (age 65+ or 18-21/students/armed forces – ID required), £10 for under 18s, £5 for under 14s and free for under 5s. Tickets can be collected at the ground on matchday, and there is an additional £1.50 booking fee per order. Tickets can also be bought at the ground on Saturday, with a £1 increase for adult and concession tickets. 

Ambulant/wheelchair disabled fans pay their relevant age category and are entitled to a free carer if in receipt of high rate DLA or enhanced rate PIP (relevant paperwork must be produced at the time of purchase).

There will be live audio commentary on our iFollow service, with a match pass costing £2.50, although monthly passes are available at £4.49, while overseas supporters can watch the game for a £10 match fee. Click here to buy the relevant pass – the overseas option will not be visible to UK supporters.

The supporters’ club coach leaves at 6.30am. For independent travellers, drivers should leave the A1(M) at junction 60 and follow the A689 all the way to Hartlepool, or leave at junction 49 and link with the A689 via the A168 and A19. When you get to the Marina area carry on at a roundabout in to Marina Way, and at the next roundabout go left in to Middleton Road and then first left in to Clarence Road. There is limited parking at the ground which can be booked in advance through the club, otherwise there is parking around the marina area and also street parking around Raby Road – carry on along Middleton Road then turn right.

By rail there are direct Grand Central services from King’s Cross at 07.48 (arrive 10.55) or 11.27(arrive 14.23), with a return at 17.54 (arrive 21.00), the only available train after the game to get you back to London the same day. For the outbound journey, alternative LNER services at 08.30, 09.06 and 10.30 require two changes, at Northallerton and Thornaby on the first of those and at York and Thornaby on the other two.