Hartlepool United FC vs Crewe Alexandra - Hartlepool could be without Sean Kavanagh for visit of Crewe

Posted Monday, February 27, 2017 by PA

Defender Sean Kavanagh remains a doubt for Hartlepool's home clash with Crewe.

The on-loan Fulham full-back missed Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Colchester with a hamstring problem and will be assessed. Goalkeeper Adam Bartlett is struggling with a groin problem, so Ben Dudzinski is likely to keep a place on the bench.

Matthew Bates is out with a hamstring injury, fellow defender Carl Magnay (cruciate ligament injury) remains a few weeks away from a return, while Rob Jones (knee) and Trevor Carson (shoulder) remain sidelined.

A win for Pools would move them to within a point of their opponents.

Crewe travel without the suspended Chris Dagnall.

The striker was dismissed for an off-the-ball incident in Saturday's defeat by Stevenage, which also saw opposition goalkeeper Jamie Jones sent off.

After naming the same XI for the last two matches, David Artell could be tempted into other changes too.

Youngster Ryan Whintle and Jon Guthrie were hooked at half-time last time out, with Alex Kiwomya and Zoumana Bakayogo angling for their spots while Billy Bingham is fit to challenge for a place again.