WITH back to back home games to come, Hartlepool United face opposition who are fully expected to be amongst the National League promotion challengers.

Sutton tomorrow and then Tranmere on Tuesday, visitors who will test Pools solid run of one defeat in ten games, who will also give an indicator how Pools really are in the divison set-up.

Despite their run of late, Pools are still in mid-table following a poor start to the season. Six games without a win leaves them playing catch-up.

They have closed the gap in a tight division to two points from the play-off zone.

“There is no more pressure on us now than there was from day one. I don't feel any different, nor do the players,’’ insisted boss Craig Harrison.

“The staff have got a points tally where we want to be at the end of every month. How those points come, doesn't matter, as long as we get them.

“We have a target number of points for this week, as long as we get it I am happy.

“We are not on target from the start of the season, of course, but recently we have averaged around two points per game for the last ten games.’’

Pools are four points shy of today’s opposition. Macclesfield sit top of the pile and Harrison admitted: “It is tight. I can't see anyone walking away with it.

“Normally you have someone at the top where you think they'll have it wrapped up five or six weeks before the end.

“But this time I think it will be wide open from top spot all the way down the play-off spots until the end.

“We just need to make sure we stay in there - then the last six to eight weeks will be important for us. We just need to keep our good run going.’’

Ahead of yesterday morning’s training session in Durham, Harrison added: “It’s been a quiet couple of weeks without a midweek game, a bit of down time to recover and get training ground work done.’’

“We have two tough games to come and then a long trip to Torquay for another tough one.

“Back to back home games is good, the way we are at this moment in time we just want games.

“Sutton have started well, coming on the back of their FA Cup run last year. They have improved this year and we know the dangers – we have watched the last four or five games. They will be strong, organised with two centre forwards who are a handful. We know what they are all about.

“But it’s important we stamp on the game in our way and get on the front foot. Sutton and Tranmere are both going to be in and around the shake up come the end of the season, it’s important we put our stamp on it.’’

Pools are awaiting scan results on skipper Carl Magnay. The right-back missed last week’s game with a foot injury and he’s on a lengthy injury list.

“Luke George is back in amongst it, he needs training time, game time and there’s a reserve game next week,’’ said Harrison. “There’s Jake Cassidy three, four weeks away, Keith Watson is up in the air still and Ryan Donaldson has had his operation.

“Carl Magnay is in the air, he’s had a scan and we are waiting on it. Liam Donnelly had a back spasm after coming back from Ireland duty, but we didn’t risk him last weekend. He probably could have played at a push, but could have had repercussions.’’