Tranmere V Hartlepool at Prenton Park : Match Preview

12 April 2013 15:31
Tranmere V Hartlepool - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Moore the merrier at returns

Ronnie Moore has been bolstered by the return to training of four first-team players as his Tranmere side look to get their fading play-off hopes back on track against npower League one strugglers Hartlepool.

Defenders Ash Taylor and Ben Gibson have shaken off knocks sustained during last weekend's loss to league leaders Doncaster, which was Andy Robinson's first game back from a groin problem.

The experienced playmaker was allowed some days to rest and recuperate this week before rejoining the first-team squad on Thursday, along with veteran defender Ian Goodison, who was struck down by illness.

Moore believes Robinson's availability could be pivotal.

"Andy is going to be a threat," he told Tranmere Player. "He has undoubted ability and keeps the ball for us when we're under the cosh.

"All his experience we're going to need. He might just be the shining light for us. He might just kick us on because it's not impossible to win all three games."

Hartlepool pair Antony Sweeney and Evan Horwood both return to contention.

Midfielder Sweeney and defender Horwood have missed the last two matches due to respective hamstring injuries and manager John Hughes must decide whether to recall them to his starting line-up.

Hughes has no new injury or suspension problems, but striker James Poole is still struggling with a leg injury and is expected to miss out.

Midfielder Greg Rutherford is likely to be included again despite sustaining a head injury for the reserves in midweek.

Another teenager, forward Zak Boagey, made his first appearance for the club as a late substitute in last week's win over Bury and hopes to feature again.

Pools, five points from safety with three games remaining, are chasing back-to-back successes after ending an eight-game winless run last week.




Source: PA