Hartlepool vs Bromley Predictions

• There have been at least three goals in eight of the last ten Hartlepool National League games.
• There have been at least three goals in five of the last seven Bromley away matches.
• Bromley are unbeaten in their last six National League games, winning four.
• Hartlepool have scored 21 goals in their last eight contests.

Ravens and Pools set for playoff thriller

Fourth-placed Hartlepool play seventh-placed Bromley on Sunday in the qualifying round of the National League promotion playoffs.

The winner earns the right to travel to Edgeley Park to meet third-placed Stockport County in the semi-finals and will be two victories away from entering the Football League.

Hartlepool have stuttered a bit in the run-in, losing three of their last five, but they had no help from the fixture computer for one of those – an away reverse to Sunday’s opponents.

Bromley ended Pools’ 16 match unbeaten run in the National League back in March when teenager Jude Arthurs scored the only goal in the first half.

But Dave Challinor’s men, who had beaten Chesterfield less than 48 hours before that game, were at a disadvantage because their opponents had the previous weekend off to replenish their energy levels.

Bromley only secured their playoff berth on the final day when a second half effort from Ben Williamson gave them a 1-0 home victory over Notts County – but they clearly have momentum.

The Ravens have now won three of their last four matches and are also unbeaten in their last eight away games, claiming five wins in that run.

Like free-scoring Hartlepool, Andy Woodman’s men have shown their attacking prowess in recent weeks by scoring six times in their last three matches.

They remain suspect at the back however, with just two clean sheets in their last seven away matches and four goals conceded in the last two.

Both teams are likely scorers on Sunday for us and we’ll take the Over 2.5 goals bet on for the slightly better price given the stats are also in favour of the sides combining for at least three goals.

As a correct score play, we think a 2-2 draw could well ensue if both teams play up to their characteristics.