Hartlepool V Leyton Orient at Victoria Park : Match Preview

15 February 2013 12:01
Hartlepool V Leyton Orient - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Howard back in Pools fold

Hartlepool striker Steve Howard could return to contention for the home game with Leyton Orient following a hamstring injury.

Howard has missed Pools' last four matches but returned to full training last week and is expected to be included in the squad.

Manager John Hughes has hinted he could make one or two changes following the goalless draw with Portsmouth in midweek.

Winger Andy Monkhouse has staked his claim for a recall to the starting line-up after impressing off the substitutes' bench in recent weeks and teenage forward Luke James is also hoping to make a bigger impact.

There will be no place in the squad for teenage defender Jordan Richards as he will undergo surgery on Friday to repair knee cartilage damage which has ruled him out for the rest of the season.

Pools are unbeaten in their last four league games and could climb off the foot of the table with victory.

Leyton Orient midfielder Romain Vincelot could make his first start for the club.

The French utility man has been lacking in match fitness following his release by Brighton in January, but came on in the 84th minute of Orient's 2-1 win over promotion hopefuls Tranmere last weekend and is vying for a place in the starting XI.

O's manager Russell Slade will check on striker Kevin Lisbie (hamstring), who is rated as doubtful, while defender Nathan Clarke is fit again after recovering from an ankle injury and will be hoping to return to Slade's first-team plans at Victoria Park.

Orient are unbeaten in their last five league games and currently sit 10th in npower League One.

Source: PA