Decent result, routine win in the end.

I thought the whole back 4 played well , particularly Cass at right back.

Any problem seems to be with our midfield, who are okay offensively but not so good defensively, they died a death second half and nearly let Aldershot back into the game.

All in all , nice to win first game, particularly at home , where a marker needs to be set this season, after 5 or 6 seasons of largely weak performances at home.

As usual though, a home win has to be followed up with an away win, if we are to seriously challenge this season.

Finally are Aldershot our lucky club?, amongst our many bogey teams. Over the years can rarely remember them getting a result up here, and there are not many clubs you can say that about, even at their place we generally do okay.

Agree with that assessment, though to be fair the goal Aldershot did score came from a mistake from the otherwise excellent Gary Liddle.

Pools certainly haven't got a real midfield ball winner in their ranks at the minute. I was surprised Gus Mafuta was let go after last season, but there might have been a clue in Challinor's post-match interview yesterday. Asked about the squad's fitness levels when he took over, he said he was surprised by how far below what was required for his style of football the players were, but that 'most' had quickly adapted to the new fitness regime.

Whilst Challoner may be correct about fitness it is a fact that newly appointed managers nearly always have a dig at players fitness when they take over a new club.

Think DC is cute and a bit old school in his thinking. Think this is mind games, keeping players on their toes, not letting them get carried away. Putting doubt in the players minds " is he talking about me " etc. .

Mafuta wasn't the ball winner we expected anyway & was a bit of a disappointment to be honest.
As for players fitness under both Bates it was sadly lacking,everybody could see it.

Mafuta wasn't the ball winner we expected anyway & was a bit of a disappointment to be honest.
As for players fitness, under both Bates & Hignett, it was sadly lacking.
Everybody could see it.

Mafuta wasn't the ball winner we expected anyway & was a bit of a disappointment to be honest.
As for players fitness, under both Bates & Hignett, it was sadly lacking.
Everybody could see it.

Alright we all heard you the first time!