Let’s finish the season on a high says Boston United manager Paul Hurst ahead of Hartlepool finale

The Pilgrims welcome a Hartlepool United side that have under-achieved but are hitting a bit of form ahead of Saturday's early 12.30pm kick-off at the Jakemans Community Stadium.

Boston have won two and drawn two of their last four games too and Hurst said: “It's a little target for us to to try to stay unbeaten.

“But we are up against a good team that are in good form, certainly in their last couple of games, beating two of the play-off teams.

“I watched them on Tuesday night and, after a slow start in which Southend took an early lead and looked pretty comfortable, once Hartlepool scored it changed the dynamic of the game and they showed what they are capable of.

“It has been announced that Nicky Featherstone won't be taking charge of the team next season so, for someone who has been at the club for so long, I am sure they would like to sign off with a victory for him as well.

“Yes, it is an end of season game, of course, but at least both teams have something they would like to finish off with.”

He added: “I think Hartlepool would have hoped for the play-offs this season. But I think at least five of the teams that are in there were set in stone before the season started.

“I know you still have to earn the right – and credit to those teams, but I don't think there are too many surprises up there.

“You have to give credit to Scunthorpe. And Boreham Wood, before the season started would maybe not have been an obvious one.

“But I think Hartlepool are perhaps the most obvious team that hasn't made the play-offs.

“History does not count for much in all honesty but I think they are the team that would have expected to be having an extended season.”

Hurst is not too worried about the earlier start, saying: “It won't make too much difference. It is just about the players eating earlier and being properly rested.

“When I was a player I can remember early kick-offs and trying to get some chicken down me.”

Hurst does not plan to use the game to experiment and now has his mind made up on his players' futures.

“I think we are pretty much there now so I won't be trying anything different out as I don't think I am now going to learn anything drastically new.

“I just hope we can put on a good performamce against one of the better teams.

“If you look at our record, since I came in, we have only lost against the top three sides plus Halifax in my first game.

“So no matters what happens, even if the result is not quite right, we have only come up short against the bigger teams which is quite pleasing.

“But we would like to finish off with a positive result in front of our home fans.”

On his retained list, he said: “I would say it will be sorted within a couple of days.

“I will be having those conversations and would like to get it done and dusted as soon as possible for everyone's sake.

“I try to be fair with players and let them know what my thoughts are. Likewise, it is not always my decision and sometimes it will be a conversation as there can be two sides to it.”