Match Preview

Hartlepool Rovers play their second home league game of the season when they entertain Gosforth on Saturday (kick off 3pm).

Last week’s 48-12 defeat at South Shields Westoe, after leading 7-0 and 12-5, saw the Whites fail to build on the 22-13 derby win over Horden and Peterlee and the performance against the Tynesiders, winners on their last two visits to the New Friarage, will have to show a vast improvement.

Gosforth are one of three clubs yet to win and Rovers will want to get at the very least the four points for the win which, if other results go their way, could see them lifted to seventh place in the table.

The most newsworthy selection is player-coach Steve Smith being named at loosehead for his first match for the Friaragemen since his return from his time at National League Billingham. His vast experience will be a vital part of the match.

Kevin Maguire returns at hooker but Andrew Dring is struggling with a groin injury and is rated highly doubtful and so Liam Wood comes into the back row with skipper Callum Whitehead moving from blindside to number eight.

Michael Railton, who missed the trip to Wood Terrace comes in at full back with Alex Rochester switching to the wing. Adam Smith, who didn’t get a run until the final few minutes at Westoe, and Rochester must be given the ball and a chance to run at the opposition. Jack Gunn and Steven Barnfield in the centre will also be looking to take the game to Gosforth.

Nathan Raynor, who had some 1st XV time in pre-season is named on the bench for his senior debut.

Rovers: M Railton, Rochester, S Barnfield, Gunn, A Smith, M Barnfield, Pelser, S Smith, Maguire, R Clayton, Langley, Hanley, Church, Wood, Whitehead (c). Subs: D Smith, Fawcett, Rayner

Preview: Ian Kelly