Hartlepool United 0-0 Leyton Orient RECAP: Bore draw at the Suit Direct Stadium as Pools show signs of EFL Trophy semi-final hangover

A special mention for this afternoon’s mascot, Jack 👏

Graeme Lee admits he is keen to see the players who came so close to reaching the Papa John’s Trophy final in midweek another opportunity to keep their momentum going from such a positive performance.

Lee has emphasised the importance for his Hartlepool United players not to dwell on their semi-final defeat as they welcome Leyton Orient this afternoon.

Lee can welcome back defender Neill Byrne to league action after his suspension while midfielder Bryn Morris continues to be recover from an ankle injury.

And here we predict our Pools starting XI to take on the O’s at the Suit Direct Stadium.

Predicted XI: Killip, Sterry, Byrne, Odusina, Ferguson, Featherstone, Shelton, Crawford, White, Molyneux, Bogle

Hartlepool United are looking for what would be a sixth win in eight league games, a run of form which has seen them climb into the top half of the table.

Pools came from behind to defeat Harrogate Town a week ago and will be looking to continue that form against the side who currently sit bottom of the League Two form table.

They face an O’s side who have not won since December which has seen them slide to within four points of the relegation zone.

But Lee admits he will not be underestimating Wellens’ side at the Suit Direct Stadium.

“It’s a difficult one. You know the new manager has come in, but whether he’s going to change formations or not we’re not sure yet. But he’ll come in and he’ll have them fired up,” said Lee.

“We all know everyone in this league can beat everyone. We’ve seen Carlisle go and win three games in a row from being in bad form so it’s going to be tough.”

Pools will head into the game with an extra incentive after suffering a harrowing defeat at Brisbane Road in the reverse fixture where they were humbled 5-0.

And, while Lee was not the man in the Pools dugout that day, he has revealed he will be reminding the players of that result and performance ahead of tomorrow’s game.

“They’ll get reminded of it because they have to be reminded about it because in any league that type of result is not acceptable,” Lee told The Mail.

“The incentive is for the lads to make sure that’s happened before and we’ve got to get one back now.”

Graeme Lee will come up against a familiar face in the dugout when Leyton Orient visit the Suit Direct Stadium.

Hartlepool United will look to put the disappointment of their EFL Trophy semi-final defeat behind them as they try to continue their good form in League Two against an O’s side under new management after appointing former Doncaster Rovers, Salford City and Swindon Town boss Richie Wellens.

And Wellens is someone Lee knows well after the pair spent time together during their playing careers with Doncaster.

“Richie, as a player, was fantastic and as a lad,” said Lee.

“I played with him at Doncaster Rovers. I was injured the majority of that year so I got the pleasure of watching him more than playing with him.

“But he was a fantastic player and had his managerial opportunity and he took it. I think he took Swindon up, it was fantastic what he did.

“Unfortunately it didn’t work for him at Doncaster. It would have been great because of the connection with the club but he’s got another opportunity with another big club in Leyton Orient and he’s been successful in this league before.

“We’ve been up against it before when a new manager comes into a team who is going to give them a lift and it’s our job to keep them quiet.”

New Leyton Orient head coach Richie Wellens said he wants supporters to ‘have fun’ after taking charge this week.

The 41-year-old signed a two-and-a-half year deal as permanent successor to Kenny Jackett, who had 11 months in the post.

“Football is about fun, have some fun,” said Wellens.

“Lets rewind eight months ago. For two years we were all locked up, not being able to do anything, watching football on an I-pad or TV screen.

“Come, have some fun. Buy into what we’re trying to do.

“I’m not naive, the way I’m going to play in the next six or seven games isn’t going to be the way we play long-term.”

Joe Grey will be assessed ahead of Hartlepool United’s meeting with Leyton Orient at the Suit Direct Stadium.

Grey opened the scoring on Wednesday with a fine finish before assisting Luke Molyneux for Pools’ second of the evening in the second half.

It was another impressive showing from the teenager who was brought off in the closing stages with a calf issue.

“They were inside yesterday recovering and doing what they can, we’ll assess him and hopefully he’ll be out on the training field today and we’ll see how he goes through the session,” Lee told The Mail.

“There’s a few tight bodies from the other night. We all saw the efforts they put in so there’s a few niggles which we’ll have to assess again today.”

Pools will be boosted by the return of Joe White for tomorrow’s visit of the O’s with the Newcastle United loanee forced to miss Wednesday’s semi-final defeat to Rotherham through being cup-tied.

Good afternoon and welcome back to the Suit Direct Stadium.

If you’re anything like us you will still be replaying what was a special evening here on Wednesday, even in defeat, as Hartlepool United narrowly missed out on a place in the EFL Trophy final.

But Graeme Lee’s side must put their disappointment behind them as they return to League Two duty this afternoon.

Pools welcome Leyton Orient as they look to continue their fine league form.

And we are here to guide you through all the action this afternoon.

Stay tuned to our live blog for team news and updates with the Hartlepool Mail.