Hartlepool United head coach Lee Clark defends commitment to 4-4-2 formation following disappointing recent form

Although Pools have experimented with a 4-2-3-1 as well as a back three, for the most part Clark has fielded a traditional 4-4-2 in the opening weeks of the new National League campaign.

While that saw Pools start the season with back-to-back victories over Barrow and Aldershot Town, a disappointing run of four defeats in their last five games has seen them slump to 14th in the table.

It goes without saying that there's still plenty of football to be played, but it's hard to avoid the sense the pressure is already beginning to build on Pools and, in particular, Clark.