next week the defecating habits of bears if forested areas....

Hartlepool's leaky defence may not take long to pierce


by Steve Davies
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HARTLEPOOL'S stomach for a fightback has become the stuff of legend in League One so don't be surprised if they fall behind early against MK Dons today.

Five times in their last 11 matches Danny Wilson's side have successfully come back from one, twoand even a three-goal deficit to get something out of matches.

And while that's a positive for their resilience and stamina, it's a huge negative that they are always so slowly away.

The MK Dons, League One's third-highest scorers and an open, attractive football team, are just the type of side who can go to Victoria Park and get off to a flyer and you can sell their first goal time at 51 with Sporting.

Roberto di Matteo's side have opened the scoring before the 51st minute in nine of their 15 league matches with a first goal time average of 42. It's even better on the road, where the average time is 35.

Aaron Wilbraham's return gives the Dons more focus in the box and an added threat from set-plays, while Hartlepool have conceded three or more goals in six of their last 14 outings.