Hartlepool United FC vs East Thurrock United preview - Bates back for Pools

Hartlepool defender Matthew Bates is expected to return to contention for the FA Cup clash with East Thurrock.

Bates has missed the last two games due to a calf injury but returned to full training this week and is hoping to feature.

Boss Paul Murray will be without midfielder Tommy Miller for the first-round tie against the Isthmian League Premier Division side due to a calf problem that kept him out of last week's home draw against Newport.

Winger Jack Compton continues his rehabilitation following knee surgery and defender Stuart Parnaby (knee) remains sidelined as Pools chase their first win in five matches.

East Thurrock manager John Coventry has no new major injury worries ahead of the trip to Victoria Park.

The Ryman Premier side are still without Emmanuel Osei, who has been sidelined for three weeks with a ruptured Achilles.

Coventry will hand late fitness tests to Connor Witherspoon and Sam Higgins after the pair picked up knocks in the 4-2 win over Hungerford Town on Tuesday night in a game that saw the latter score all four goals.

Higgins was thought to be missing the tie due to suspension, but his ban was lifted after the club found out he was still one booking short of the five needed.