HARTLEPOOL UNITED need to end their Carlisle hoodoo on Good Friday.

Pools take on the Cumbrians at The Northern Gas and Power Stadium in an uneasy position, just three points ahead of second-bottom Newport in League Two.

The visitors have collapsed in recent weeks, taking four points from their last 27 on offer – including a run of seven games without scoring.

But their record against Pools is positive. They have won their last three visits and beat Pools in five of their last six meetings.

Pools only point came at the end of the season in 2015, a 3-3 Brunton Park draw a week after Ronnie Moore completed the Great Escape.

Earlier in the season, Pools led against ten men at Brunton Park only to lose 3-2.

Dave Jones, the Pools’ boss, has no injury worries ahead of the weekend double header against Carlisle and then a trip to Leyton Orient.

He said: "We'll certainly try and get the better of them. It just shows they must be a good side that they are still on the fringe of things.

"We've watched videos of them, they are a strong side, they have good players, a good manager I know.

"I'm expecting nothing but a difficult match and anything we get we are going to have to earn.

"They are going through a bit of a difficult time but they are up in the top seven for a reason.

"Keith (Curle) will be coming here to win, but if they are low on confidence then we'll try to use that to our advantage.’’