Hartlepool United FC vs Exeter City - Sean Kavanagh and Matthew Bates should boost Hartlepool's squad

Posted Friday, March 03, 2017 by PA

Hartlepool boss Dave Jones could be boosted by the return of Matthew Bates and Sean Kavanagh for the Sky Bet League Two clash with Exeter.

Central defender Bates has missed the last three games and full-back Kavanagh the last two with hamstring injuries but both have returned to training and are in contention as Pools look to build on their 4-0 midweek thrashing of Crewe.

Striker Billy Paynter, who has been out since the middle of January with an Achilles problem, has had an injection which Jones hopes will mean he does not require surgery, but his condition is being assessed.

Carl Magnay continues to work his way back from a cruciate ligament injury but Trevor Carson (shoulder) and Rob Jones (knee) are still sidelined.

Exeter could again be without goalkeeper Christy Pym for the long trip north.

Pym missed the 2-1 win at Crawley in midweek, with Bobby Olejnik deputising.

Grecians boss Paul Tisdale has a full squad to choose from with the exception of long-term absentees Troy Archibald-Henville, Lee Holmes and Robbie Simpson.

He is expected to keep faith with the side which brought promotion-chasing Exeter their first victory in four games at Crawley.