Hartlepool United FC vs Yeovil Town - Craig Hignett makes Pools dugout debut in relegation six-pointer against Yeovil

Posted Friday, February 12, 2016 by PA

New Hartlepool boss Craig Hignett will be pitched straight into a Sky Bet League Two relegation six-pointer when Yeovil head for Victoria Park.

Hignett, who replaced Ronnie Moore on Wednesday, needs to end a run of four games without a victory in the third of four consecutive home fixtures if he is to ease the club away from the drop zone.

Midfielder Michael Woods missed Tuesday night's 2-1 defeat to Stevenage with a slight back strain and will hope to return.

Defender Harry Worley is closing in on a comeback from a long-term ankle problem, but the game is likely to come too soon for him, while midfielder Michael Duckworth continues to struggle with a stomach muscle problem.

Yeovil boss Darren Way is pleased to have the duo of Darren Ward and Alex Lacey back in contention.

Ward had been on the mend following a knee injury, while Lacey returns from his three-match suspension.

The Glovers have also extended the loan stay of Everton youngster Liam Walsh, the 18-year-old having impressed on his initial month-long spell which began in early January.

Way said at his pre-match press conference that his squad was looking "healthy", and added of Walsh: "I think he's a good player. He's made a great impact on this football club as a whole."