Listen to Hartlepool United v Altrincham on BBC Radio Tees: Full Coverage with Rob Law and Jonathan Franks

As fans across the North East gear up for an exciting National League clash, BBC Radio Tees stands ready to deliver comprehensive audio coverage of Hartlepool United v Altrincham on Saturday, January 17, 2026, kicking off at 12:30 UK time at the Suit Direct Stadium, also known as The Prestige Group Stadium. This match, part of Round 27 in the Vanarama National League, promises drama with Hartlepool United sitting 9th or 10th in the table with 37 points from 26 games, while Altrincham languish in 16th on 26 points from 25 outings[1][4][6]. For British audiences, especially those in the Teesside region, BBC Radio Tees offers the go-to platform, complemented by the BBC Sounds app and BBC Sport Online audio, ensuring you don't miss a moment without needing television rights holders like Sky or TNT, which aren't broadcasting this fixture visually.

The coverage on all three platforms features the same stellar team: presenter Matthew Nixon, main commentator Rob Law, and co-commentator Jonathan Franks. BBC Radio Tees, a cornerstone of local sports broadcasting in the North East, has long been the voice for Hartlepool United matches, providing insightful analysis and live updates that resonate with passionate Pools supporters. Tuning in via the BBC Sounds app or BBC Sport Online makes it accessible nationwide, perfect for fans on the move or away from traditional radio sets.

Matthew Nixon, the presenter, brings a wealth of experience to the microphone. A seasoned broadcaster with BBC Radio Tees, Nixon has covered countless Hartlepool United games over the years, earning a reputation for his engaging style that keeps listeners hooked from pre-match build-up to post-game reactions. His career spans local football, where he's interviewed players, managers, and legends, making him a familiar and trusted voice for Pools fans. Under his stewardship, expect a smooth flow of coverage, from team news to live action and expert breakdowns.

Main commentator Rob Law is the heartbeat of the broadcast. With decades in sports journalism, Law's career highlights include detailed match reports for BBC local radio and contributions to regional football coverage. Known for his eloquent descriptions and deep knowledge of non-league football, Law has narrated Hartlepool's highs and lows, from promotion pushes to gritty survival battles. His play-by-play calling captures the intensity of the National League, where every goal can shift promotion or relegation fortunes.

Joining him as co-commentator is Jonathan Franks, a Hartlepool United icon whose playing career adds authenticity to his punditry. Franks, a former Pools winger and striker, made over 200 appearances for the club between 2013 and 2021, scoring crucial goals and becoming a fan favourite during turbulent times. After hanging up his boots, he transitioned seamlessly into media, offering tactical insights drawn from his on-pitch experience. His knowledge of Hartlepool's current squad, having trained with many, will provide invaluable context on player form and strategies against Altrincham.

The National League, England's fifth tier, is a competitive hotbed where teams like Hartlepool United chase promotion back to the Football League. Hartlepool, relegated in 2023, have rebuilt under manager Kevin Phillips, boasting a solid home record at the Suit Direct Stadium. Recent form shows inconsistency—LWLDLWDL—but with 29 goals scored and 25 conceded in 26 games, they harbour play-off ambitions[4]. Altrincham, managed by Phil Parkinson, struggle away, with a poor run of LLLLWWDL and a negative goal difference of -11[4][6]. Their defence has leaked 40 goals in 25 matches, a vulnerability Hartlepool's attack could exploit.

Head-to-head records underline the unpredictability: Altrincham 1 win, Hartlepool 1 win, 4 draws, with recent encounters tight, including a 1-2 Hartlepool victory in 2025[1][3][4]. Matches since 2020 average 1.57 goals, often low-scoring affairs decided by fine margins. Injury updates and predicted lineups will be key pre-match—check apps like FotMob for the latest team news[1]. For Hartlepool, home advantage at their 7,500-capacity stadium could be pivotal, especially with fans creating an electric atmosphere.

Why choose BBC Radio Tees for this fixture? Unlike major broadcasters such as ITV, BBC, Sky Sports, or TNT Sports, which focus on Premier League or EFL televised games, local BBC radio excels in non-league coverage. BBC Radio Tees (95.0 FM in Hartlepool area) delivers uninterrupted audio, free from ad breaks common in commercial stations. The BBC Sounds app enhances this with on-demand replays, live streaming, and podcasts, ideal for modern listeners. BBC Sport Online audio mirrors this, embedding seamlessly into websites for multi-device access.

To tune in: Search 'BBC Radio Tees' on the BBC Sounds app, or visit BBC Sport's football audio section online. Coverage typically starts 30-60 minutes before kick-off, building hype with interviews and previews. Post-match, Nixon, Law, and Franks dissect key moments, player ratings, and implications for the league table.

Hartlepool United's journey in the National League has been one of resilience. Once a Football League mainstay, reaching the FA Cup fifth round multiple times, they've become non-league specialists. Learn more about their storied history via the Hartlepool United Wikipedia page. Altrincham FC, Cheshire's pride, boast a semi-professional setup with full-time ambitions, having won promotion in 2020. Their Moss Lane ground hosts fierce rivals, detailed on the Altrincham FC Wikipedia page.

The Vanarama National League itself is a proving ground for future stars, with TV rights shared among platforms but audio dominated by BBC local stations. For full fixture lists and standings, the official National League website is essential. This match could define both teams' seasons: Hartlepool eyeing a top-seven finish, Altrincham battling relegation.

Expect Law's vivid calls of Pools attacks down the flanks, Franks analysing midfield battles, and Nixon fielding listener calls. With Hartlepool's recent home draws and Altrincham's away woes, a narrow Pools win seems likely, but non-league football thrives on surprises. Whether you're in Hartlepool, Altrincham, or further afield, BBC's team ensures you're immersed.

Background on the stadium adds flavour: Suit Direct Stadium, formerly Victoria Park, has hosted Hartlepool since 1908, undergoing modernisations for comfort. Altrincham travel 180 miles north, facing Teesside's winter chill—a test of resolve.

For younger fans, Franks embodies the transition from player to pundit, inspiring local talent. Law's longevity contrasts Nixon's fresh approach, creating balanced commentary. Together, they elevate this fixture beyond mere audio to a community event.

In summary, don't miss Hartlepool United v Altrincham on BBC Radio Tees, BBC Sounds, or BBC Sport Online. With Matthew Nixon presenting, Rob Law commentating, and Jonathan Franks co-commentating, it's authoritative, passionate coverage of vital National League action. Tune in at 12:30 UK time and join the conversation.

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