A fortnight ago Hartlepool looked all but relegated but a run of three straight victories has taken them to within striking distance of safety and Ladbrokes have subsequently pushed them out to 2/5 for the dreaded drop.

Realistically, Ronnie Moore’s men could actually move out of the bottom two this afternoon if they defeat 18th-placed Cambridge at Victoria Park and other results go their way - but BetVictor consider Pools to be outsiders at 19/10 to keep up their side of that bargain.

A damaging defeat at the hands of the U’s comes in at 6/4 courtesy of Stan James and bet365 price a stalemate at 5/2, a result that’s set to attract cash given that the visitors have shared the spoils in three of their last four.

Similarly, bet365’s 4/1 about a score draw could prove popular, it’s 15/4 via betway for the teams to go in on level terms at the end of each half and BetVictor mark 6/1 against it finishing 1-1. Home supporters fearful of a stalemate meanwhile, can back Pools at even money in Winner.com’s ‘Draw No Bet’ market and in the handicaps Stan James give Moore’s troops a goal start at 1/2.

Cambridge, however, have managed just one win in a dozen attempts so the formbook undoubtedly points to Pools, who are 3/1 (Paddy Power) to edge it by a one-goal margin. Alternatively, a fourth consecutive triumph ‘to nil’ is a 7/2 chance at Skybet and more accurately, they are 7/1 via BetVictor to prevail 1-0 for the second game in a row.

William Hill offer 11/2 about another success following an even first period, Stan James chalk the contest up at 8/15 to generate fewer than three goals and it’s 5/4 (bet365) for the Moore’s charges to bag the first.

Odds supplied by www.betrescue.com

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