Pete Wild challenges Hartlepool United to 'go toe-to-toe' with runaway National League leaders Boreham Wood

Pools, who are only above the relegation zone on goal difference, face a daunting task on Saturday as they make the long trip to Hertfordshire to take on a free-scoring Wood side who have won 13 and drawn two of their opening 15 matches this term.

With Pools languishing in a precarious position at the wrong end of the division, there is a very real prospect that Wild's side could find themselves back in the bottom four come Saturday evening unless they can pull off a shock at Meadow Park.