John Sheridan wants defensive improvement against "tough" Hartlepool

Notts County boss John Sheridan has warned that Hartlepool United will be tough to beat on Saturday, but will aim to shut up shop at the back and come away with something.

The Magpies have endured a tough start to the 2016-17 League Two season, with two defeats and a draw in their first three games, plus an early exit from the League Cup.

Against Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday, Notts put up a good performance but still finished the game on the receiving end of a 2-1 defeat, with Sheridan eager to address the problems at the back.

"They are a good team," Sheridan said of Hartlepool. "My brother Darren went to watch them the other night and so did Graham Browne, the chief scout.

"I've watched them too. They have got some good players, a couple of them I've managed before.

"Craig Hignett is a good manager. They are a well organised 4-4-2 side, and will be tough to beat.

"They will be hard to play against. It's always a difficult place to go.

"They are scoring goals and they showed good character the other night when they were 3-1 down but came back to get a point.

"But we will go there with a lot of belief that we can get something from the game.

"In every game we've played, we've created chances, which is a plus. But if we don't concede we are not going to lose a game. You have to stop the ball from going into the back of the net.

"We just have to keep those standards up from Tuesday night. We can't do it one week and not the next. If we play like that, then we will win games."

How will Notts fare against the Pools? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.