Pools full-back battling to be fit in time Hartlepool defender Evan Horwood is hoping to return to contention for the home game with Crawley. Left-back Horwood missed the midweek defeat at Leyton Orient with a heel injury, but manager Neale Cooper will be keen to recall him to his starting line-up. Pools will be without strikers Luke James, who has a groin strain, and on-loan Charlie Wyke, who has returned to parent club Middlesbrough for treatment on his badly cut ankle, so manager Neale Cooper must decide who to partner alongside Steve Howard up front. Midfielder Andy Monkhouse will miss out again with the ankle ligament injury that has kept him out of the last three matches. Centre-half Sam Collins, striker James Poole and midfielder Simon Walton may come into contention for a start as Pools chase their first league win in 10 matches. Claude Davis returns to contention for Crawley as they make the long trip north. Davis has recovered from the thigh injury he picked up in the 3-1 victory over Bournemouth at the beginning of the month and will provide stiff competition for his fellow defenders. Boss Richie Barker may also be able to call on utility man Shaun Cooper after he returned to training following a groin injury. Nicky Adams will retain his place in midfield and look to build on the impressive form he showed in the 3-2 win over Bury, when he scored twice. The Red Devils had lost their two games prior to that victory but they remain in the top four.
Source: PA
