Jordan Hugill calls on Hartlepool United fans to 'stick with us'

Having been touted as possible National League title contenders ahead of the campaign, Pools find themselves at significant risk of being dragged into a relegation battle following a torrid beginning to the season.

Indeed, a run of 10 defeats in 12 matches - that's excluding National League Cup fixtures, of which Pools have lost all three this term - has seen Pete Wild's side plummet down the table at an alarming rate.

Although their much-needed 4-2 win over Forest Green Rovers, in which Hugill scored a brace, helped lift them out of the bottom four, Pools are only above the relegation zone on goal difference ahead of this weekend's visit of a Hornchurch side who have made an encouraging start to their first ever season in the fifth tier.