Hartlepool Rovers head to Redcar this Saturday in the league, with kick-off at the slightly later time of 2:15pm. After last week’s postponement due to a frozen pitch, Rovers will be looking to start 2026 with a win. Although it’s still bitterly cold, the game is expected to go ahead.

Rovers have made a few changes to the team that was due to face Jarrovians last week. Player-coach Darren Smith starts at tighthead prop, while Andrew Dring comes into the second row. In the backs, the evergreen Frank Coulson starts on the wing. Ian Pinchen covers the front row from the bench, alongside the youthful Jay Wintersgill and Joe Ward.

Saturday’s game will be no easy task. Redcar managed to get their game on last week and secured a win against Yarm. In the reverse fixture, Rovers ran out comfortable winners, but it was far from a formality, with Redcar well in contention at half-time.

Rovers are currently four points off the promotion places, so it’s vital they keep the pressure on the top two.

Back at Rovers HQ, The Heughers host Old Boys in a derby match, kicking off at 2pm.