Dave Challinor has late fitness calls to make before Hartlepool host Exeter

Posted Monday, December 09, 2019 by PA

Hartlepool boss Dave Challinor will make a series of late calls ahead of Tuesday night’s FA Cup second round replay against League Two Exeter.

Defender Peter Kioso missed the 2-2 draw at St James Park and Saturday’s 2-1 National League defeat at Woking after suffering concussion, and he will be assessed ahead of kick-off.

Midfielder Gavan Holohan, who sat out the Woking game with a back problem, is also being monitored.

Defender Aaron Cunningham was another absentee at the weekend and he too will be checked by medical staff before Challinor finalises his team.

Exeter manager Matt Taylor has hinted he could use the depth of his squad as he attempts to cope with a congested fixture list.

However, he will be without vastly-experienced full-back Craig Woodman, who is facing up to six weeks on the sidelines with a knee injury which requires surgery.

Skipper Jake Taylor will hope to force his way back into the starting line-up after being used only as a substitute in recent weeks.

Keeper Dino Visser could get another chance after replacing Jonny Maxted for the Leasing.com Trophy clash with Oxford – who await the winners in the third round – and keeping a clean sheet and saving three penalties in a shoot-out.