Hartlepool v Bristol R preview

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Hartlepool boss Colin Cooper must decide whether to recall striker Marlon Harewood for the home game against Bristol Rovers.

The former West Ham and Aston Villa forward started on the substitutes’ bench in the goalless midweek draw at Accrington, but Harewood, midfielder Antony Sweeney and striker James Poole are all pushing for recalls.

Cooper has no new injury or suspension worries as his side look to get their play-off challenge back on track with a first win in three matches.

Michael Duckworth remains sidelined with a leg injury sustained in last month’s defeat at Northampton and fellow defender Neil Austin is still struggling with a toe problem.

Bristol Rovers boss John Ward looks set to shuffle his pack when they make the long trip to Hartlepool.

A 2-1 home defeat to Dagenham saw the Pirates’ six-game unbeaten run come to an end and Ward hinted at making changes as his side get ready for their third game in a week.

Striker Matt Harrold was sent on in the 56th minute on Tuesday night and he will hope to have done enough to earn a start while the likes of Steven Gillespie, Alefe Santos, Danny Woodards, Seanan Clucas and Ellis Harrison are all available to step in having bided their time in recent weeks.

Rovers, currently nine points below the play-off places, know time is running out to if they are to gatecrash the top seven.