Match Preview

Hartlepool Rovers return to action when Stockton visit the New Friarage on Saturday (kick-off 2.15pm).

The Whites have had two weeks to reflect on an, overall, disappointing last game at Consett when they eventually went down 52-26 albeit having trailed 40-0 with half-time looming.

Results in Durham Northumberland One and Rovers’ own showings bear out that, for all the top five have broken away, all sides look to be capable of beating each other. The top group of clubs, however, seem to have the cutting edge and consistency of selection to a greater degree than the chasing pack.

The home date with Stockton gives the Friaragemen the chance to consolidate their seventh place in the table but a win coupled with a victory for Consett at Guisborough would see Rovers climb a spot.

Player-coach Steve Smith’s selection options continue to be affected by unavailability due to holidays, injuries and work commitments but he has named himself on a strong-looking bench whose impact will, hopefully, be to close out the game rather than chase it.

The White Shirts are without Gav Robinson who came off the bench in the 28-17 home win over Medicals but who missed the trip to Consett. Michael Railton, who also missed the trip to Belle Vue, returns as does Jack Gunn and the pair will team up in the centre. Adam Smith is back on the wing after the trip to the Bangkok Sevens.

In the pack, Tony Ross deputises for Danny Cookland and Ryan Clayton moves from the bench to cover for the missing Ian Pinchen.

Rovers: C Harrison, S Railton, M Railton, Gunn, A Smith, Fawcett, Pelser, R Clayton, Ross, Lloyd, Langley, Little, Church, Wood, Whitehead (c). Subs: Dring, O’Callaghan, S Smith