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by flat4
Preview of tonight's match taken from the official Hartlepool United web site
Following positive results in the cup against Everton U23s and League One Wycombe Wanderers, Hartlepool United turn their attention back to the league with the visit of Newport County. Friday night’s game (KO 7.45) sees Pools face The Exiles for the first time since 2017.
The Opposition
Newport currently sit two places above Pools in eight, though the Exiles are currently level on points with Tony Sweeney’s side. Like Pools, they’re one of five sides on 23 points, alongside Leyton Orient, Harrogate, and Sutton.
Led by manager James Rowberry, the Newport side features players with plenty of experience, including Hartlepool-born skipper Matty Dolan, veteran attacker Kevin Ellison, and top scorer this season, Dominic Telford.
The History
The teams have meet 44 times in the past, with Pools winning 11 of the previous encounters. 13 games have ended in a draw, while Newport have been victorious on 20 occasions, including the last match in 2017. Goals from Ryan Bird, Aaron Williams, and Dan Butler were answered by a consolation goal from Padraig Amond for Pools. The striker would go on to joint Newport following Pools’ relegation.
Team News
Tony Sweeney’s selection headache grows stronger every day with Fela Olomola and Jamie Sterry both returning to training, but Mark Cullen and Reagan Ogle continuing to provide excellent performances in the first team. Zaine Francis-Angol is also close to a return to fitness, while peripheral players such as Will Goodwin and Jake Lawlor will be hoping for a place on the bench to kickstart their season.
