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Walsall vs Hartlepool United. Sky Bet League One.

Bescot StadiumAttendance4,234.

Walsall 5

  • W Grigg (59th minute)
  • D Byfield (64th minute)
  • J Gray (77th minute)
  • M Smith (83rd minute)
  • E Ledesma (94th minute)

Hartlepool United 2

  • C Larkin (21st minute, 52nd minute)

Walsall v Hartlepool preview

Image: Sweeney: Doubtful for Pools

Team news ahead of Saturday's League One clash between Walsall and Hartlepool at the Banks's Stadium.

Aaron Lescott remains Walsall's only absentee. The full-back sustained a medial knee ligament strain in the goalless draw at Swindon and has missed the recent matches against Leyton Orient and Yeovil. He hopes to return in time for next Friday's trip to MK Dons. Centre-back Oliver Lancashire was replaced at half-time in last weekend's 1-1 draw at Yeovil suffering with cramp in one of his calves, but he has recovered well and is back in contention. Manager Dean Smith made one change at Home Park - forward Alex Nicholls for Emmanuel Ledesma - and was left to reflect on a flat performance from his side, something he put down to tiredness. But with his players having had no game in midweek and the chance to recharge their batteries, Smith will be looking for a much-improved display against a Pools side challenging for an unlikely play-off place. Hartlepool first-team coach Mick Wadsworth has injury doubts over James Brown and Antony Sweeney. Striker Brown went over on his ankle during the first half of Tuesday night's 1-0 defeat against Leyton Orient and had to be substituted despite receiving lengthy treatment. If Brown fails to recover in time Colin Larkin could deputise, although Wadsworth has other options in Ritchie Humphreys and Andy Monkhouse. Top scorer Sweeney, who missed the midweek defeat against Leyton Orient, remains doubtful with an ankle wound suffered against Plymouth which required stitches. Veteran midfielder Paul Murray, 34, looks set to keep his place after returning against the O's but Joe Gamble and Adam Boyd are pushing for recalls following midweek cameo appearances.

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