Hartlepool United round off their home fixtures for the season on Tuesday night as they welcome Southend United to the Prestige Group Stadium.
Kevin Maher has been clear in his message to the squad this week: stay sharp, stay focused, and finish the job properly. The Shrimpers head north sitting sixth in the National League after that stunning 6–2 demolition of FC Halifax Town on Saturday — a result that underlined just how dangerous this side looks heading into the final stretch.
The play‑off place is already secured, but the target has shifted. Southend are now hunting down Scunthorpe United for fifth spot and the prize of a home eliminator. A win tonight would cut the gap to a single point and set up a huge final day at Roots Hall.
Before kick‑off, Hartlepool will hold their annual Roll of Honour, paying tribute to supporters and club figures who have passed away during the 2025–26 season — a moment of reflection before the football takes centre stage.
Season So Far
There’s a clear gap between the sides now. Southend sit 6th on 78 points, while Hartlepool are 9th on 65 — a 13‑point difference that reflects the direction both clubs have travelled since the turn of the year. The Shrimpers have smashed in 78 league goals, one of the highest tallies in the division, while Hartlepool have managed 49.
Southend’s goal difference of +36 tells its own story. Hartlepool’s sits at –4, dragged down by some heavy defeats — none more infamous than the 7–0 collapse at Wealdstone. The Shrimpers, meanwhile, have been one of the league’s most consistent sides since March, climbing steadily into the play‑off places and staying there.
Form Guide (Last Five – All Competitions)
| Hartlepool United | Southend United | |
|---|---|---|
| W 2–1 v Forest Green | W 6–2 v Halifax | |
| L 0–3 v Boreham Wood | W 2–0 v Aldershot | |
| D 0–0 v Rochdale | D 0–0 v Solihull | |
| D 0–0 v Scunthorpe | W 3–0 v Sutton | |
| L 0–7 v Wealdstone | W 3–2 v Braintree |
Hartlepool’s form has been erratic — two draws, two defeats, one win — while Southend have taken 16 points from their last 18 and look one of the division’s form sides heading into the final week.
The Hosts
Hartlepool’s season promised plenty after their American takeover in December, but it’s drifted since. They were eyeing a play‑off push, yet heavy defeats and inconsistency have left them 13 points adrift. Manager Nicky Featherstone will step down at the end of the season, and while the mood has dipped, they did show fight last time out with a 2–1 win over Forest Green Rovers.
They sit ninth on 65 points, with 17 wins, 14 draws, and 13 defeats. It’s been a campaign of flashes rather than sustained momentum, but they’ll want to finish strongly in front of their home fans.
Previous Meetings
These two know each other well — 27 meetings in all competitions — and Southend have the edge with 12 wins to Hartlepool’s 8, with 7 draws.
The last three meetings have all finished level:
- 1–1 at Roots Hall (August 2025)
- 0–0 at Roots Hall (December 2024)
- 0–0 at Victoria Park (August 2024)
Southend haven’t lost to Hartlepool in over two years, but Victoria Park has never been a straightforward place to go.
Tactical Notes
Southend showed at Halifax that they can adjust their approach intelligently when the moment demands it. The extra defensive stability, the freedom it gave the wing‑backs, and the way it allowed the midfield to press higher all played a huge part in that 6–2 win. Scott‑Morriss was able to attack relentlessly down the right, while Boyes and Coker both found themselves joining moves from deeper positions.
Up front, the partnership worked beautifully — one dropping in, one stretching the pitch — and Hartlepool’s back line has struggled all season when pulled around by movement. Whatever Maher chooses, the flexibility is there. This group has switched systems seamlessly in recent weeks, and the confidence from Saturday means they’ll back themselves in any setup.
The key will be controlling the tempo early, using the wide areas well, and keeping the intensity high.
Players to Watch
For Southend:
Gus Scott‑Morriss — in unstoppable form, scoring and creating from everywhere.
Charley Kendall — two goals in the Trophy semi‑final, another at Aldershot, and full of confidence.
Harry Cardwell — the focal point, linking everything together.
For Hartlepool:
Callum Caton — lively, direct, and always involved.
Anthony Campbell — strong in the air and dangerous from set‑pieces.
The Venue: The Prestige Group Stadium
Victoria Park — now branded The Prestige Group Stadium — is one of the division’s classic northern grounds. Tight, noisy, and right on top of the pitch, it’s never an easy place to go. The Shrimpers will need to manage the atmosphere and stay composed early on.
Final Word
It’s been a long season, but Southend are finishing it with a flourish. The play‑offs are secured, the goals are flowing, and the belief is back. A result here keeps the dream of a home eliminator alive — and sets up a huge final day at Roots Hall.
One more big away performance, and the Shrimpers will head into the weekend flying.