Hartlepool v AFC Wimbledon preview

admin

Hartlepool’s new loan signing Ryan Bird is hoping to make his debut for the club in the home game against AFC Wimbledon.

Bird arrived for an initial month from Cambridge this week and will go straight into Ronnie Moore’s squad.

Moore has no new injury or suspension worries, but will still be without defender Matthew Bates (dead leg) and striker Scott Fenwick (ankle).

Midfielder Tommy Miller remains absent, but is edging closer to a return to action following his long-term calf injury as bottom club Pools bid to avoid a third straight defeat.

AFC Wimbledon welcome back Mark Phillips but remain without George Francomb.

Defender Phillips has completed a three-match ban following his dismissal against Burton but midfielder Francomb is still struggling with a hamstring injury.

Defender Jake Goodman has been sidelined with a foot injury since January and is unlikely to return.

Tom Beere could keep his place in the side after receiving praise from boss Neal Ardley for his performance on only his second league start in the midweek draw with Cambridge.

Breaking news, transfer gossip, line ups and goal alerts from your football club – delivered direct to your mobile. Sign up for Sky Sports Alerts

Hartlepool v AFC Wimbledon preview

admin

Hartlepool winger Jack Compton will miss the home game with AFC Wimbledon through suspension.

Compton was shown a straight red card for his studs-up challenge on Plymouth’s Jamie Reckford in Saturday’s win and starts a three-game ban so Jonathan Franks could return to the starting line-up.

Manager Colin Cooper has no other new injury or suspension worries as his side chase their fifth straight win in all competitions.

Striker Steve Howard is hoping to return to the squad following his recent three-match ban and midfielder Antony Sweeney is among those pushing for a recall.

Charlie Strutton is back in the AFC Wimbledon squad for the trip to Hartlepool.

The striker has returned to Kingsmeadow following a successful spell with Braintree, where he scored six goals in seven matches, after Dons manager Neal Ardley decided not to extend his loan deal.

Andy Frampton will be assessed after missing Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Morecambe with a back injury, as will fellow defender Barry Fuller who went off in the first half following a clash of heads.

Winger Chris Arthur and forward Charlie Sheringham are sidelined by ankle injuries.