Hartlepool vs Wealdstone
Wealdstone - Who Are Ya?
1889
Established
1952
Athenian League Champions
1978
Reached F.A Cup third round ( furthest they have ever gone)
1985
First club to win the non league double ( FA Trophy and League title)
2014
Isthmian League Premier Division Champions
2020
National League South Champions
2025
Stayed in the National League by a point
2026
Lost the FA Trophy Final, but did break their attendance record in the semi-final
History of the teams’ meetings
The two clubs have met in the National League plenty of times over the last few years, with the results proving quite interesting!
Firstly, earlier this year, the matchup ended 7-0 to Wealdstone, and perhaps even more incredibly it wasn’t the first time one of the teams had scored seven in this fixture. Back in 2021, Hartlepool won 7-2 in the away fixture. It’s fair to say the Stones more than got their revenge last season.
However, prior to this 7-0 thrashing, there were four draws in a row, and before that, Hartlepool had won three games in a row. Besides the anomaly-like result last season, it seems to be a fairly competitive fixture, and one with plenty of goals.
Fun Facts
Nicknamed the Monkey Hangers due to a 19th-century tale. Following the wreckage of a French ship, the sole survivor, a monkey, was put on trial and eventually found guilty as a French spy. As a result, they were sentenced to death by hanging, which has led to the term being embraced.
Of their last 12 seasons, Hartlepool have finished in the top 10 just twice, one of which was last season, showing they are on an upward trajectory.
Despite a 96-year tenure in the Football League, it was never plain sailing. They registered five consecutive applications for re-election, which has led to them remaining in the league.
Player Profiles - Hartlepool
Chris Popov
Popov was a brilliant goalscorer at youth level, spending time at Manchester United and Leicester City’s academies. He also represented Welsh youth teams on several occasions, most recently appearing last year.
After being released by Leicester, he made the move up north to Hartlepool. Popov has decent experience of the league from his time at Morecambe last year. He will be hoping to make use of this during his time with the Monkey Hangers.
Jamie Miley
A Newcastle United academy graduate, local lad Jamie Miley remains in the north east now as a regular for Hartlepool United.
Miley is also the brother of Lewis, who is a Magpies regular, having also progressed through their youth system.
Player Profiles - Worthing
Olufela Olomola
Olomola is an interesting player to further look at ahead of this fixture. He’s not only played for both clubs, but he also scored in last year’s 7-0 win.
He’s almost become a part of the furniture in the National League, and previously in League Two. He’s spent time at plenty of different clubs, including Carlisle United, Yeovil Town, Bromley, and of course, Hartlepool.
The 29 year-old seems to be more settled now at the Stones, as he plays his third season for the club. He’s got off to a decent start too, scoring six goals.
Dan Chesters
Like many players in this league, Chesters came through a top academy, in his case it was West Ham’s. He was quite highly regarded whilst at the Hammers, even making his Premier League and Europa League debut.
Since leaving the club, he spent time at Salford City, though the winger wasn’t able to make his mark; he managed just nine appearances over two years. An ACL injury in October 2024 certainly affected this.
He’s now at the Stones, and will be still adjusting to life back in football. The injury left him without playing football for way over a year, therefore, it may take some time before he’s back to his best.