Hartlepool United FC vs Plymouth Argyle - Dave Jones faces defensive woes as he seeks first win as Hartlepool boss

Posted Thursday, February 16, 2017 by PA

Hartlepool boss Dave Jones has problems in defence ahead of Saturday's clash with League Two promotion title-chasers Plymouth as he attempts to secure his first win since taking charge.

Central defender Matthew Bates limped off during Tuesday night's 3-0 defeat at Luton with a hamstring problem while Liam Donnelly, who has played at full-back in recent weeks, is already sidelined by an ankle injury and Rob Jones is among the long-term casualties.

Bates and Donnelly will be assessed ahead of the game, but midfielder Brad Walker was handed an emergency role at Kenilworth Road and performed creditably, and he could get the nod from the start if Jones' options remain limited.

Michael Woods started in midfield at Luton after shaking off a groin problem, but Louis Rooney, who is on loan at the Northern Gas and Power Stadium from Plymouth, is ineligible and fellow striker Billy Paynter is still nursing his Achilles injury.

Plymouth will be without midfielder Antoni Sarcevic for their trip to the north-east.

Sarcevic was forced to hobble off with a knock to his ankle during their 3-2 defeat but the injury is not as serious as once feared and the midfielder is set to return for next week's match against fellow promotion-chasers Luton.

Sonny Bradley is, however, fit to play despite coming off with a thigh injury in the same game.

Otherwise, manager Derek Adams has no other fresh injury worries.