Match Report
On the table this was a mismatch: Rochdale (2nd, 106 pts) held a 38-point advantage over Hartlepool United (9th, 68 pts). Rochdale had been under-performing their position — 8th on five-round form against 2nd in the table.
15 previous meetings sit in the GioScore records — Hartlepool United 6, draws 2, Rochdale 7, at 2.93 goals per meeting. Hosting has counted for little in this fixture — the home side has won only 40% of those meetings. Expect goals on precedent — three or more in 67% of the meetings. Recent editions have opened up: 3.8 goals per game across the last five meetings against 2.93 historically.
Key stats
Possession: Hartlepool United 42% · Rochdale 58% · Total shots: 10-5 · On target: 2-2 · Corners: 5-4