HARTLEPOOL United are no pushovers and Swindon Town must meet “whatever kind of challenge” is thrown their way, according to the Robins’ head coach, Jody Morris.

Two of the least in-form clubs in League Two face off at the Suit Direct Stadium on Saturday looking to pick up a rare victory to fuel their own ambitions.

Hartlepool – who have drawn seven of their previous 10 games and sit 19th in the form guide as a result – are second from bottom of the entire EFL and must start picking up wins soon if they are not to suffer a third drop into the National League in 10 years.

Swindon, meanwhile, are aiming to put themselves into a position where they can “pounce if anyone above them slips up.”

Assessing the danger that the Pools possess, Morris said: “You’re right in saying they’re fighting for their lives and stuff because no matter which way you look at it, they’re second from bottom.

“But you do have to see they’ve drawn five in a row, so clearly they’re not that easy to beat either.

Morris' first 10 games as Town boss assessed and why there is hope for the future.

“A lot of our focus needs to be on us and how we approach the game. We need to meet whatever kind of challenge comes our way, and that includes the travel, the elements, the quality of the pitch.

“But my point is, that cannot be an excuse as to why we don’t perform. We need to make sure that we’re at it, that we’re confident, and that we keep 11 players on the pitch.”

Town have recent experience of playing a struggling peer away from home after the 4-4 draw with Rochdale earlier this month.

Asked whether Morris and his players could learn anything from their experience at the Crown Oil Arena, Swindon’s head coach admitted his players’ defending must improve if they are not to drop points for the sixth game in a row.

Morris said: “Like I said after the Rochdale game, we actually were a threat going forward and we looked like we could score. I’d love that to still be the case against Hartlepool.

“At Rochdale, we could have had seven or eight goals. If we still present like that at the weekend, I’ll be pleased.

“But at the same time, we need to be miles better from a defensive aspect and miles better in possession.

“We have a team coming up who are certainly not shy in coming forward, so we need to try and implement our style and our quality.

“If that’s only coming sporadically in games, then we just need to make sure we make use of it.”