Hartlepool United FC vs Stevenage Borough - Luke James keen to make an overdue second Pools debut

Posted Monday, February 08, 2016 by PA

Striker Luke James will hope to make his second debut for Hartlepool at the second attempt as Stevenage head for Victoria Park on Tuesday evening.

James was denied his chance at the weekend following his return to Pools on loan from Peterborough when a waterlogged pitch forced the postponement of the club's Sky Bet League Two trip to Notts County.

Skipper Billy Paynter is in contention for a first start in three months following an Achilles problem after coming off the bench against Exeter on January 30, a game which also saw defender Carl Magnay used as a substitute on his return from a groin injury.

Defender Harry Worley is closing in on a comeback from a long-standing ankle problem, but midfielder Michael Duckworth is still missing as he struggles to shake off a stomach muscle strain.

Stevenage have no fresh injuries for the trip to the north east as caretaker boss Darren Sarll bids to end the nine-match winless sequence with a first victory since December 12.

Pat Hoban made his debut in last Saturday's 1-0 loss to Crawley, while fellow loanee Ryan Hedges came off the bench for his first appearance and could come into the starting line-up.

Michael Tonge (hamstring) and Adam Marriott (calf) are out once again, while Chris Whelpdale (groin) is absent for a few more weeks.

David McAllister, Jerome Okimo, Ben Kennedy and Steven Schumacher (all knee) are also still out.