Graeme Lee’s side goes to Rodney Parade on the back of a disappointing double header at home where Pools managed just one point from six against Leyton Orient and Bradford City.
The Pools have hit a bit of a buffer in terms of results since their EFL Trophy semi-final defeat on penalties for Rotherham United with Lee eager to return to his side to ensure the season does not end.
But the Pools boss knows his side are facing a difficult night against a Newport team that will find its way to a third straight victory in Tuesday’s win over Carlisle United.
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The result moved the county to the top three of the League Two table as James Rowberry continued to push his side for a place in League One after the last play-off final heartbreak.
“They’re a very good team, they’ve been on and around it for a few years now, so we know it’s going to be a tough night, but any team you face in this league is tough. Everyone can beat anyone at any Day.
“They are a well organized team and there is a reason why they have won their last three games because they have good players in that organization and we have to try to fit them and try to use what we can in areas where we think we can harm them. “
Lee has something of a midfield dilemma on his hands this evening as pools are without three midfielders in South Wales.
Mark Shelton (hamstring), Gavan Holohan (calf) and Joe White (ankle) are all set to miss tonight due to injury, which could mean Martin Smith retains his place in Start XI.
“Shelts will not be fit for the weekend. He hit his hamstring the day before on Monday and it just blew up, it was not right,” Lee said.
“It would be too early to push him further to try to involve him. You could end up causing more harm if you did.
“Gav came in on Monday and reported that he had been dealing with a calf problem for a week or so.
“Unfortunately [Joe’s] another who reported an injury.
“His ankle was completely swollen yesterday and there is also a COVID issue within the family, so we have to manage this situation.”
Meanwhile, the Poles continue to demand the launch of their ‘United For Ukraine’ appeal with donations already received at the Suit Direct Stadium.
The appeal was made collaboratively by Hartlepool United Football Club and its charitable arm, the Hartlepool United Community Sports Foundation, with the aim of directly supporting Ukraine and its people during this time of unique conflict.
Polish President Raj Singh supported the initiative and made an initial £ 250,000 donation.
“Recent events in Ukraine have been deeply shocking,” Singh said.
“As a football club and a public business in Teesside, we are in a position to play our small part in helping in this crisis, whether it be with a donation or simply through basic care.
“I hope we can come together as a club, a city and a region to show our united support for Ukraine and its people.”
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Last updated: Friday, March 18, 2022, 8:00 p.m.
- Newport County XI: Day, Norman, Demetriou, Clarke, Haynes, Bennett, Dolan ©, Azez, Cooper, Telford, Street
- Subs: Ovendale, Lewis, Collins, Ellison, Waite, Willmott, Fisher
- Hartlepool United XI: Killip, Sterry, Byrne, Liddle, Odusina, Ferguson, Featherstone ©, Smith, Crawford, Molyneux, Bogle
- Subs: Bilokapic, Hull, Ogle, Francis-Angol, Fletcher, Gray, Carver
Street a whisker away to get in at the end of Azaz’s clever low ball. Byrne did just enough to get him off as it went out for a goal
Sterry jumps inside Haynes after Smith wins the ball in midfield to free Pools for Molyneux, but on his weaker left side, Sterry’s effort is comfortable for Day
Odusina gets a cheap corner on which Newport plays short but Cooper gets his delivery completely wrong as the pools are easily clear
Azaz finds a pocket of space between the lines, but deflects his goal
Another rapid attack by pools like the Bogle is allowed to advance towards the edge of the area. The striker shows fast feet but his strike lacks the conviction to really disrupt the day
First attack of the game goes to Pools as Crawford jumps down the left and takes Ferguson out on the edge of the area as a cross is eventually weakened but collected by the day
We started and ran to Newport
Here come the two teams on the Rodney Parade
Our Hartlepool United reporter Joe Ramage shares his opinion about tonight’s team:
“It’s another small surprise to see a number of changes on Graeme Lee’s side with this, on paper, the toughest of the three players from the pools this week.
“And Lee pulled striker Omar Bogle back for the trip, as did Tom Crawford while Gary Liddle was on defense.
“That comes with a change in the system as Pools look to fit Newport with their 4-2-2-2 formation or at least counteract it.
“Crawford and Luke Molyneux start as No10 behind Bogle with Nicky Featherstone and Martin Smith retaining his place after Tuesday’s defeat to Bradford City as midfielders.
“It’s an interesting selection by Lee but is one with a lot of consideration.
“On a lighter note for Pools, midfielder Bryn Morris took part in the warm-up as he returns from an ankle injury.”
And here’s how the home team of the leagues included the top candidate
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