Hartlepool v Stevenage preview

Team news ahead of Saturday's FA Cup first-round clash between Hartlepool and Stevenage at Victoria Park.

Winger Nolberto Solano is expected to return to the Hartlepool squad. Solano, 36, who has missed the last five games due to a hamstring problem, could play some part in the first-round tie. But manager Mick Wadsworth will be without midfielder Paul Murray, who sits out a one-game ban following his dismissal for two yellow cards against Leyton Orient last weekend. Nathan Luscombe and Gary Liddle will be vying for a return to the starting line-up in Murray's absence. James Brown is pushing for his first start of the season and fellow striker Colin Nish is back in contention after missing out at Orient due to a problem with his ankle. Another forward, Colin Larkin, remains sidelined with a long-term knee injury. Darius Charles could return to the Stevenage squad. The versatile Charles has missed the last five league matches with a knee injury. Don Cowan has been fit enough for a place on the bench for the last two league matches following knee ligament trouble and the striker will be hoping to be included in the squad once again. Boss Graham Westley made three changes as his side beat Sheffield United last weekend. Chris Beardsley started up front alongside Craig Reid while Byron Harrison, who suffered a gashed ankle at Bury the previous Saturday, started on the bench. Elsewhere, Lawrie Wilson and Stacy Long were recalled. Harrison, along with Robin Shroot, Joel Byrom and Phil Edwards, will hope to force their way back into the team for the first-round tie. The league meeting between the two sides at the Lamex Stadium in August finished 2-2, with Scott Laird scoring a late equaliser for Boro after Hartlepool had led 2-0 at half-time.