Richie Humphreys has been an ever-present in Hartlepool's promotion-chasing side this season, making it 211 games on the bounce in his four seasons with the club. This weekend throws up a 'do or die' game for Richie and Pool against Bournemouth with one of them taking the final play-off place in League One - but the Monkeyhangers seem to be taking it all in their stride.
"In some ways it's nothing new because it has been like that a few times," recalls Richie. "We went to Exeter one year on the last day needing a win to get into the play-offs and another year we played Rushden in the last game to see who would win the Championship.
"Then last year we needed a point at Swindon to get into the play-offs on the last game. We seem to like doing it the hard way."
But will previous experiences count for anything on the day? Richie adds: "Oour squad has been together now for four-five seasons and we have been involved in the play-offs or promotion every season so there is a lot of experience in the side. We all need to perform on the day though, that's the bottom line."
In effect, it's a cup final for both teams - only the ultimate prize is even greater. "It's why the play-offs were created and it generates excitement right up to the last game," says the former Sheffield Wednesday striker. "It would be a massive disappointment not to get the point we need to get into the play-offs.
"We will try and shore up at the back but we will go out to win the game even though Bournemouth's a tricky place to go. All season we have gone forward and we are not a side to sit back. The main aim is to get a point but if we could win then that might change whether we are at home in the second leg."
Hartlepool have continued to make great progress in League One but Richie admits that this season has 'definitely been harder'. "Last year it was our first time in the division and safety or mid table would have been a result but reaching the play-off final was a magnificent achievement. This year teams are watching out for us and other teams have improved.
"I think everyone's form has been improving. Whenever we have lost all the others seem to have lost and we have been unable to push on. Both teams know each other well and know how each other play. Its going to be a cup final in front of a full house.
"If our strikers play well, we play well. Boyd has got 27 goals for us and Porter has done really well. If they play we seem to play. Goals win games."
